Oliver and the other two boys stood frozen, intimidated by Alexander's fierce aura.

Even Liam was rooted to the spot, staring at Alexander in shock.

Bradley and his gang had always been ruthless, untouchable—how could this troublemaker not fear them?

Feeling Liam's gaze, Alexander turned to him. His dark eyes burned with undisguised scorn.

He spat out a single word at Liam: "Pathetic."

The insult struck Liam like a physical blow. He wanted to argue—he wasn’t weak! He’d defended his mother before. But he could never win against these bullies, and now every kid at school avoided him.

Afraid of upsetting his mother, he’d kept it all to himself, confiding only in his grandmother. But she had blamed his mother instead. If she weren’t so embarrassing, they wouldn’t target you.

Liam’s protests died in his throat. Before he could speak, Bradley, face red with humiliation, lunged at Alexander.

Children’s fights were chaotic—all flailing limbs and reckless energy. Despite Bradley being taller, it quickly became clear he was outmatched. Within moments, he was struggling to keep up.

He shouted at his stunned friends. "Don’t just stand there—help me!"

Alexander was only five. With the other two joining in, the odds turned against him.

Bradley grinned, triumphant. "You little brat, I’ll make you beg for mercy. If you don’t kneel and call me ‘Sir,’ I’ll— Ow!

Before he could finish, Alexander punched him again. He ignored the other boys’ blows, channeling all his fury into Bradley. No matter how they hit him, Alexander fought like a wild animal—clawing, biting, relentless.

The other two, used to intimidating weaker kids, had never seen such ferocity. Terrified, they tried pulling Alexander off Bradley.

But he wouldn’t stop.

Their faces paled as Bradley’s cries turned to desperate pleas.

"I’m sorry! I swear I won’t insult Amy again!"

"Please—stop! I won’t do it again!"

Bradley was bruised and battered. Alexander wasn’t unscathed, but he still had him pinned.

"Who’s Amy?" Alexander demanded coldly.

Bradley sniffled, tears and snot mixing on his face. "Liam’s mom..."

Alexander glared. "From now on, she’s my mom too. If I hear you insult her again, you’ll regret it."

Bradley nodded frantically. "Got it! I promise!"

Alexander turned to the others. "And you?"

Liam watched, heart pounding, fists clenched.

The boys swallowed hard. "W-we won’t either..."

Only then did Alexander release Bradley, collapsing onto the ground, breathing hard.

The commotion drew the teachers still on campus. Several rushed outside, shocked by the scene.

That evening, Amy checked her phone out of habit.

Still no message from Alexander about visiting.

A few nights ago, Sebastian Kingsley had called to say Alexander was fine—just staying home for a while.

Nothing unusual.