Tears welled up in Victoria's eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment.

Oliver's small, bewildered voice cut through the tension. "Hey, why are you crying again? Every time I see you, you're crying... Even when I got hurt fighting with Liam, I didn't cry. And you're a grown-up!"

Victoria's carefully maintained composure shattered. Her face froze, caught between tears and forced dignity.

The preschool teacher, who had been silently observing the scene, quickly stepped forward to diffuse the situation.

"Perhaps we should focus on resolving the issue between the children first," she suggested gently.

Amy turned to the teacher, her voice firm but calm. "Regarding Oliver's behavior, we're willing to apologize to Liam. Once Oliver's father returns, he can personally apologize to Liam's parents as well."

"We'll take full responsibility for any medical expenses and compensation."

"I sincerely apologize for the trouble this has caused."

Everyone knew that families who could afford this elite preschool weren't lacking in financial means. The real issue lay in the attitudes of the children and their parents.

Oliver had already apologized to Liam, and Amy's approach appeared genuine. By all logic, the matter should have been settled.

But there was one glaring complication—Victoria wasn't just Liam's absent mother. She was also Oliver's legal guardian.

The teacher wiped her damp forehead with a trembling hand before casting an uneasy glance at Alexander. "Mr. Blackwood, Oliver has apologized, and his guardian has expressed their stance. Do you have any further requests?"

Liam looked up at Alexander with a pout, his small face scrunched in defiance. "I don't accept it! He doesn't just hit me once—he does it when no one's looking!"

Alexander had heard similar complaints from Liam before about Oliver's bullying.

His icy gaze fell on Oliver, making the boy instinctively shrink back, hiding behind Amy's legs.

Amy immediately shielded Oliver, blocking Alexander's piercing stare.

Seeing this, Alexander's expression darkened further.

"Amy, your own son is standing right here, and you're protecting another child?"

Amy glanced at Alexander and Victoria, her voice steady. "He has plenty of people looking out for him. He doesn't need me."

She paused, then looked down at Oliver, her expression softening. "But Oliver only has me."

Oliver squeezed Amy's hand tightly, his small voice filled with admiration. "Amy, you're the best."

He cast an envious glance at Liam. "I wish I had a mom like Amy. If she were my mom, that would be amazing..."

Liam's chest tightened as he watched Amy—how she always pushed him away, yet now stood protectively over Oliver as if he truly mattered. The last thread of his restraint snapped. "She's a terrible mom! Always picking on Victoria!"

Oliver immediately defended Amy, his voice fierce for a child. "Amy isn't terrible! You're the ones who bully her!"

"I've seen it so many times! You always make her apologize to that mean lady!"

"You even tell other kids she's just your nanny, breaking her heart!"

"You spread rumors about her, drove her away, then complained she didn't care about you!"

"If you don't want such an amazing mom, I'll take her!"