A spark of fear ignited in her gaze.

She barely knew this man, but the commanding presence he radiated made it evident he was no ordinary individual.

While Amy and Sebastian were examining the security footage, Alexander and Victoria arrived as well.

Though Oliver hadn't thrown the first punch, the entire incident had stemmed from his involvement.

Consequently, the school had summoned Oliver's parents too.

When Victoria heard about Liam's involvement, she immediately assumed Alexander must have lost his temper and fought with him, so she rushed over without delay.

The moment they entered the office, they saw Amy and Sebastian leaning close together, their attention fixed on the screen.

Victoria spoke in a honeyed whisper. "Liam, darling, did someone hurt you?"

Liam hesitated before shaking his head.

Victoria's voice softened further, dripping with reassurance. "There's no need to be frightened, sweetheart. If anyone's bullying you, your father and I will ensure justice is served."

Amy didn't even glance up at Victoria's pointed remarks. She couldn't be bothered wasting energy acknowledging her.

The camera angle wasn't ideal, and while there was no sound, the visuals were crystal clear.

On screen, it was unmistakable - Oliver had indeed struck first.

Amy's brow furrowed. "What could those children have said to provoke Oliver like that?"

When Mrs. Thornton caught sight of Sebastian and Alexander, her bravado evaporated. No longer acting so self-important, she snapped irritably, "Whatever was said doesn't justify that boy hitting my child."

Just then, Liam's small, uncertain voice broke through.

"Bradley and the others were trying to bully me. That's why Oliver stepped in and started the fight."

All eyes turned to Liam.

Victoria looked particularly shocked. "Liam, I thought you and Oliver didn't get along? Are you certain... he did this for you?"

The animosity between Liam and Oliver was common knowledge among all the children and staff at the academy.

Liam nodded firmly. "I'm certain."

Before he could say more, Mrs. Thornton's shrill voice cut through the room. "Preposterous! My son is perfectly behaved. He'd never bully Liam." She turned to the boy. "Liam, sweetheart, even if you want to help your mother, you shouldn't lie, should you?"

"I'm not lying," Liam insisted, his voice trembling slightly.

Mrs. Thornton gave him a skeptical look.

"Your mother's already preoccupied with another woman's child. Now you're lying to help Oliver avoid consequences?"

Liam blurted out, "That's not true!"

Victoria's expression softened. "Liam, why would they want to bully you?"

But Liam could only stammer incoherently, unable to provide a clear explanation.

Amy turned to Oliver. "Oliver, can you tell me why they'd want to pick on Liam?"

Suddenly, Oliver spoke up. "They weren't bullying Liam. I just didn't like their attitude, so I hit him. This has nothing to do with Liam. I started it, so I'll take responsibility."

Liam's eyes widened in shock as he stared at Oliver.

Mrs. Thornton visibly relaxed at Oliver's admission.

Whatever background this Oliver boy came from, as long as the Blackwood family wasn't offended, perhaps the situation could still be salvaged.

In Newhaven, Thornton Industries relied heavily on Blackwood Enterprises to maintain their precarious position in this competitive city.

She constantly reminded Bradley to emulate Liam, never missing an opportunity to ingratiate herself with the Blackwood family.