Alexander was seething with rage at Oliver. His eyes burned with fury as he jabbed a trembling finger toward the boy. "What did you just say? Say it again, I dare you!"

Oliver blinked in genuine confusion. "Liam, what's wrong with you?"

Liam's small hands fisted in Oliver's shirt, his emotions spiraling. "Mom would never pick you over me! You're the one nobody wants—you don't even have a mom!"

Their shouting match drew the attention of the other children, who stopped playing to watch.

Within moments, teachers rushed over. "What's going on here? Why are you two fighting?"

Oliver's lower lip trembled, tears welling in his eyes. "He's right. I don't have a mom."

"Liam, I know my dad is always working, so I begged Amy to come to the competition with me."

Liam screamed, his voice raw with desperation. "No! She's my mom! You can't take her!"

Fearing the argument would escalate, the teachers quickly pulled them apart.

Liam and Oliver had become the kindergarten's most notorious duo.

Every time the teachers turned away—even just to organize paperwork—the boys found a way to clash again.

In all their years at Royal Oaks Academy, the staff had never seen such an intense rivalry.

They'd tried everything—time-outs, mediation, even keeping them in separate play areas. Nothing worked.

Exhausted, the teachers exchanged resigned glances. There was only one solution left: calling the parents.

Alexander had just returned from an overseas business trip when the call came. He rubbed his temples and instructed his driver, "Gregory, take me to the academy."

Gregory adjusted the car's route, glancing at Alexander through the rearview mirror. "Mr. Blackwood, is everything alright with young master Liam?"

Alexander sighed, leaning back against the leather seat. "Another fight. This time with Oliver Kingsley." His jaw tightened. "Why is he suddenly so difficult?"

Gregory hesitated before speaking carefully. "Children at this age can be... complicated. My nephew was the same way last year."

Alexander scoffed. "He wasn't like this before."

Gregory cleared his throat. "That's because Mrs. Blackwood handled everything. You never had to deal with these issues."

It had only been six months since Liam was well enough to attend kindergarten.

Before that, he was constantly sick—so much so that Amy had called Gregory in desperation multiple times when Alexander was unreachable.

Even over the phone, Gregory could hear the fear in her voice.

As Alexander's assistant, he took these emergencies seriously, ensuring Liam received immediate care before Alexander could even be contacted.

Most of the time, by the time Alexander called back, Liam was already stable.

For minor incidents—arguments with classmates, parent-teacher meetings—Amy rarely bothered Alexander.

Alexander, oblivious, had assumed parenting was effortless.

Now, with his workload at its peak, the academy kept summoning him—each call more infuriating than the last.

He pulled out his phone and dialed Amy's number.