Officer Liam Hill straightened his police uniform collar and knocked lightly on the hospital room door.

Jenna Roland looked up and immediately rose to greet him.

"They've agreed to cover all expenses, including compensation for emotional distress and medical bills," Liam said in a hushed tone. "They're also willing to apologize in person."

Jenna glanced at the sleeping Milo before whispering, "Have them wait outside. He just fell asleep."

Liam nodded, his gaze lingering on the bandaged boy in the bed. "Then consider this matter settled. Don't hesitate to contact me if you need anything."

"Thank you for your help." Jenna gave a slight bow.

After seeing Liam out, Jenna leaned against the window, absently tracing patterns on her phone screen.

A rustling sound came from the bed.

"Awake?" Jenna pocketed her phone and approached.

Milo rubbed his eyes, the bruise on his temple glaring under the sunlight.

"The Fei family is waiting outside to apologize," Jenna said, handing him a glass of water. "Are you willing to accept it?"

"No!" Milo sat up abruptly, water sloshing from the cup.

The insults hurled at his sister were carved into his memory like knives. How could he possibly forgive so easily?

"But—"

"Jenna!" Milo cut her off. "Did he consider the consequences when he hit me in front of the whole school?"

Jenna sighed and took his trembling hand.

"What do you want to do then?"

Milo stared at the white sheets and enunciated each word: "I want him to apologize publicly in front of the entire school."

Outside the room, Fei Sheng was kicking the wall impatiently.

"Behave yourself!" Xu Chan pinched his arm sharply.

The door opened.

Jenna relayed Milo's demand with an impassive expression.

"This..." Xu Chan's face paled.

Fei Sheng started to protest but froze under his father's glare.

"We agree," Sheng Qingming said firmly. "We'll go to the school tomorrow."

Jenna nodded. "As for the compensation—"

"Is fifty thousand enough?" Xu Chan fumbled for her wallet.

"Sixty," Jenna met her eyes. "Including follow-up treatment."

Xu Chan's hands shook, nearly dropping her purse.

"O-okay."

As Jenna closed the door, Xu Chan finally lost her temper and smacked her son's back.

"You good-for-nothing!"

Fei Sheng retorted, "Who asked his sister to work at that kind of place!"

"Shut up!" Sheng Qingming snapped. "Haven't you embarrassed us enough?"

The argument in the hallway seeped through the door cracks. Milo clenched his fists.

"Jenna... Am I being too stubborn?"

She ruffled his hair. "You're just protecting me."

Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm patch of light on the hospital bed.