Amy had just arrived at the office door when fragments of conversation drifted through the crack.

"That boy keeps tormenting our Liam. Look at these bruises... Today, he even hit him. Alexander, we can't let this go. When the other child's parents arrive, we need answers."

A deep, composed male voice replied, "Understood."

Amy hesitated for a split second before rapping her knuckles against the door.

"Apologies for my tardiness."

The moment she stepped inside, a young, furious voice lashed out. "What are you doing here?!"

Her gaze landed on Liam, who was being shielded protectively by Victoria.

When their eyes met, Liam jutted his chin out defiantly, a smug smirk curling his lips. "My nanny has no right to be here!"

Liam was seething. He'd gotten into trouble, the teacher had called her, and she had the audacity to deny being his mother?

Hmph. Just like Victoria said—Mom was only playing games to get attention from him and Dad.

Saying she wouldn’t come, yet here she was, rushing over like it mattered?

Victoria’s eyes widened in feigned surprise, as if Amy were an unwelcome intruder. "Ms. Sinclair? What brings you here?" She quickly covered her mouth, as though realizing her slip.

"Oh, Ms. Sinclair, I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just... when the teacher called you earlier, you refused to come and even denied being Liam’s mother. I was worried he’d be at a disadvantage, so I stepped in. Please don’t misunderstand—I have no intention of taking Liam from you."

The kindergarten teacher, the director, and the principal exchanged loaded glances, their silent judgment unmistakably directed at Amy.

"So this is Liam’s real mother?"

"During the parent-child event last week, she didn’t show. It was this lady who participated instead. No matter how busy you are, shouldn’t you make time for your child?"

"Denying your own son? That’s harsh."

The teachers murmured among themselves, disapproval lacing their whispers.

Despite the elite status of the private academy and the influential parents it catered to, the staff were carefully selected for their qualifications, dedication, and genuine love for children.

Even if they couldn’t openly challenge the powerful, the academy’s owner was a formidable figure, granting the teachers enough security to speak their minds.

Alexander, standing to the side, turned icy.

"Amy. Whatever issues exist between us, leave Liam out of it."

His piercing gaze locked onto her. "I won’t let you use him as leverage."

Victoria’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Ms. Sinclair, I know you dislike me. You don’t want me near Liam. But you’ve been gone for so long, and Alexander has been busy. I only stepped in to help. If you’re willing to return, I swear I’ll disappear from your lives."

Before Amy could respond, Liam exploded.

"No way! She’s the one who doesn’t want to be my mom!" He glared at Amy, voice trembling with fury. "If I have to choose between Victoria and Mom, I pick Victoria!"