"I'm sorry, Liam. I have to go for a full medical check-up today, so I can't stay with you. But I promise I'll be back tomorrow, okay?"

Victoria sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I wish I could stay, but you know how your mother feels about me. If she sees me here, she might not even come to visit you at all..."

Liam's grandmother and aunt had made brief appearances, but the sterile hospital environment had driven them away within two days—never to return. His father? Too busy with work, then conveniently called away on some "urgent business trip."

In the end, it was Eleanor and Victoria who took turns keeping him company.

And his mother... Not a single visit since that day. Not even a text to pretend she cared.

Victoria had explained that Amy disliked her, and because Liam spent so much time with Victoria, his mother had decided to punish him by staying away.

Deep down, Liam knew the truth. His mother was furious because he had eaten something he shouldn’t have. It was just a tiny mistake—why was she being so unreasonable? It was just an allergic reaction, an accident. Her coldness made his chest burn with anger.

Just then, his kindergarten teacher’s voice cut through his thoughts.

"Does everyone have their performance sheets ready?"

The children chorused back, "Yes, Miss!"

The teacher smiled. "Good. I’ll be collecting them now. If there are any last-minute changes, make sure to submit them by Friday."

Each child’s performance piece had been chosen with their families and written on the sheet. Professional judges would score them live during the event.

For children their age, live judging might seem harsh, but this wasn’t just any kindergarten—it was Royal Oaks Academy, a place designed to nurture young prodigies.

This talent show was meant to uncover their hidden artistic gifts.

After class, Liam swaggered over to Oliver with a smirk.

"Hmph. What’s your excuse this time, troublemaker? Gonna skip the contest again?"

Liam already despised Oliver. The boy had somehow "stolen" his mother’s attention.

Oliver was always the perfect little angel in front of teachers and parents, but Liam knew better. Behind their backs, Oliver had a sharp tongue, always making snide remarks that made Liam’s blood boil.

No one got under his skin like Oliver did.

And after Victoria revealed that Oliver had deliberately distracted the doctors during his allergic reaction, Liam’s dislike had turned into something darker.

What really infuriated him? How Oliver transformed into Little Mr. Perfect around adults. Liam was convinced that two-faced act was why his mother had stopped visiting. The little snake must have poisoned her against him.

Since leaving the hospital, Liam had taken every chance to provoke Oliver. But Oliver never reacted—just stayed silent.

Liam assumed it was guilt keeping him quiet.

Oliver paused his drawing and looked up at Liam’s taunt.

"Didn’t you see the sheet that got collected?" His voice was calm, but his smile was sharp. "Amy agreed to perform with me this time."

Liam froze. Then his face twisted in outrage. "Liar! She would never!"

Oliver set down his crayon, tilting his head. "Maybe she sees me as her son now. That’s why she chose me."

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper, laced with quiet triumph.

"From today, I’m Amy’s son. You’re the one she doesn’t want anymore, Liam. She doesn’t love you."