Chapter 4

The next day, I arrived early with Holly at the kindergarten. The outdoor art exhibition had already been set up.

When Holly saw the plagiarized artwork displayed in the most prominent spot, she was about to feel proud, but before she could say anything, she grabbed my hand and pointed at the picture, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Mom, that's not my drawing!"

I gently patted her head, but before I could speak, a woman dressed in expensive clothes walked up to me and sneered.

"That's my son's state-level award-winning piece. Of course, it's not yours."

It was Tobias's mother, rumored to be married to a wealthy businessman. Both parents and teachers seemed to rush to flatter her. She had been the first to stir trouble against me in the class group chat the last time.

I pulled Holly behind me, not backing down.

"Well, winning an award with stolen work is certainly embarrassing," I retorted.

Her face twisted with anger. "What are you talking about?"

She suddenly seemed to remember something, then rolled her eyes dismissively.

"Your daughter's work was criticized openly in the group for being bad. Are you implying my son copied hers? That's ridiculous!"

At that moment, a crowd of parents had gathered around us. Before I could respond, a few voices chimed in.

"Isn't she the one who caused trouble in the group last time? Now she's making a scene here..."

"Do you have any proof of the plagiarism? Why are you making a fuss with your kid present? Gosh, I wonder what's going on in your mind."

"She doesn't even have a dad, and now she's got this mom. Poor kid."

Ursula quickly stepped in front of me.

"Mrs. Ramirez, Mr. Harding already said he would give you an explanation. Can't you stop making a scene?"

Making a scene?

I let out a cold laugh and pulled Holly closer to me. I gestured for the driver to switch on the projector from the car. The picture of Holly's hand-drawn poster was displayed next to Tobias's artwork.

To make it clearer, I highlighted the time the photo was taken in bold red.

Anyone with half a brain could see it was the same design with just slight tweaks!

"My daughter's work was discarded by Ms. Keller as soon as it was submitted and disappeared without a trace. Not long after, this near-identical copy won the award. Do you still think this is a coincidence? Since the kindergarten isn't taking action, I'll take matters into my own hands and get justice for Holly."

Before I could continue, Ursula blocked the way in front of Tobias and his mother. She cut me off.

"It's just a photo. What does it prove? There are plenty of ways to manipulate it! Tobias posted the entire process of his drawing online long ago! Who copied whom is still unclear. Mr. Harding, how do we deal with this troublemaking parent?"

Kenneth, who had been playing dead until now, finally showed up. He didn't even give me a chance to speak. With a subtle signal, the surrounding security guards moved in to escort me out.

"Mrs. Ramirez, please calm down before attending the exhibition!"

The security guards were firm and unyielding. They clearly felt secure, knowing I was a woman without connections or a husband backing me up.

I was so angry I almost laughed.

Seeing Holly crying so hard that her voice was hoarse, I instructed the driver to take her back to the car.

This was a private kindergarten, part of a larger institution with a primary and secondary school. Ultimately, the final word in any matter lay with the director.

I turned back to face Ursula and Kenneth.

"Ms. Keller, Mr. Harding, trying to sweep this under the rug won't work with me! I will not back down on Holly's matter! If you can't resolve this, I'll find someone who can!"