The boys moved in, forming a tight circle around Liam.

From the security feed, Alexander's expression darkened with worry, while Victoria Thornton looked ready to collapse.

Even through the pixelated footage, it was clear—Bradley and his two friends weren't here for a polite conversation. The way they trapped Liam was methodical, practiced. This wasn't their first time.

Alexander's gaze turned glacial.

Then Bradley's voice sliced through the tense silence.

"Last week, I heard my mom say your mom barely made it through middle school—can't even read properly. Not like us kids at Royal Oaks Academy."

"Bet none of these other kids know how pathetic your mom is, right?"

His laugh was sharp, cruel. "Well, they're about to. We'll make sure everyone knows."

The air thickened with silence. No one dared to speak. Only Bradley's mocking laughter echoed from the speakers.

Alexander's icy stare shifted to Victoria.

She shrank under his gaze, trembling like a leaf in a storm.

Gossiping about Amy behind closed doors was one thing. But saying it out loud—deliberately humiliating her—crossed a line.

And from Bradley's words, this wasn't an isolated incident. He'd been tormenting Liam for a while.

Amy's expression darkened. She had no idea Liam was facing this at preschool.

The cruel taunts made one thing painfully clear—much of the bullying was because of her.

A memory surfaced—Liam had been withdrawn, quiet. She'd asked him what was wrong, but he'd clammed up.

Soon after, Margaret had suggested taking Liam in for tutoring. He'd spent a whole month at her estate.

Amy visited when she could, but Margaret never let her stay overnight. Their time was limited to rushed dinners. Weekends were packed with lessons, leaving little room for her.

Now, it all made sense. That was when Liam had grown distant—almost cold.

At the time, she'd blamed Victoria. But now, she saw the truth. That was when the bullying had started.

The others watching quickly connected the dots. Oliver's outburst made sense—it was Bradley's insults about Amy that had pushed him over the edge.

For a child to speak with such malice, he'd clearly learned it from the adults around him.

Bradley might have witnessed Amy's humiliation at the party. But details about her education? He wouldn't know that unless the adults had been talking.

Alexander's jaw tightened, his features carved from ice.

He turned to Liam, voice calm but edged with frost. "When did this start?"

Liam stared at the floor. "After... after Mom was embarrassed at my birthday party."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Alexander asked quietly.

Liam's voice was barely a whisper. "Grandma said you were too busy... that I shouldn't bother you with small things."

Alexander's tone softened slightly. "Then why didn't you tell your mother?"