Liam observed the unfolding scene, his lips pressed into a thin, unreadable line.

When Victoria Thornton discovered that Amy Sinclair was currently Oliver's guardian, the disdain that flickered across her face was unmistakable. She didn't bother concealing it—her contempt for his mother was glaringly obvious.

Everyone looked down on her.

Was it really so wrong for him to feel ashamed of her?

Besides, what could she actually do to protect him?

Amy, meanwhile, caught the venomous curl of Victoria's lips and allowed a cold, mocking smile to tug at her own.

"Kneel and apologize? Mrs. Thornton, do you even hear yourself?"

Her dark, piercing gaze locked onto Victoria's, unwavering. "Care to repeat that?"

Victoria lifted her chin defiantly. "And why wouldn't I? I—"

She stopped abruptly, suddenly aware of the principal and teachers staring at her with uneasy expressions.

No matter how heated the argument, demanding a child kneel in apology was beyond unacceptable.

Every family present was either wealthy or influential—none would tolerate such humiliation.

Honestly, what century was this? Who still forced people to kneel?

Even if Oliver's guardian were an ordinary person, this demand was outrageous. Noticing the pointed stares, Victoria realized she'd gone too far.

Being harsh with adults was one thing, but targeting a child—that was inexcusable.

Her expression darkened, malice flashing in her eyes before she spoke again. "If a child misbehaves, it's the guardian's fault. Since you're responsible for this troublemaker, you should be the one to kneel and apologize on his behalf."

Amy let out a dry, humorless laugh, as if she'd just heard the most absurd joke. "Mrs. Thornton, the days of groveling at your feet are long over. You're hardly worth that kind of respect."

Victoria's face flushed with fury. "When a child makes a mistake, the guardian takes responsibility. Isn't that your duty?"

Amy's smile remained icy. "Since you're so confident, why don't we let the public decide who's right?"

With that, she pulled out her phone, ready to livestream the confrontation.

Victoria stiffened. She knew Amy was a rising public figure, her reputation as a philanthropist growing by the day.

Amy might not have powerful connections, but if this scene went viral, the backlash would be catastrophic.

Thornton Industries' reputation would crumble instantly.

Even the Blackwoods hadn't been able to suppress Amy's recent influence—how could the Thorntons possibly manage it?

Panic flickered across Victoria's face as she lunged forward, voice shrill. "You can't record me without my consent—that's illegal!"

Amy met her gaze, unflinching. "Then do you still want Oliver and me to kneel for you?"

Victoria hesitated, rage and uncertainty warring in her expression.

Just then, a deep, commanding voice cut through the tension from the doorway.

"I'd like to see who dares to make my son kneel."

All eyes turned to see a tall, impeccably dressed man stride into the room.

He was strikingly handsome, his sharp features devoid of their usual warmth, replaced by a chilling intensity that seemed to freeze the air.

Victoria's composure faltered as recognition dawned.

"Who are you?"

Ignoring her, Sebastian Kingsley focused on Amy. "Celeste, what happened?"

Amy answered calmly, "Oliver got into a fight. I just arrived—I don't know the details yet."

She glanced at the principal. "Is there security footage? We should review what actually happened."

The staff nodded in agreement.

At that moment, Bradley's mother realized with dawning horror that the man before them might truly be Oliver's guardian.