The teacher finished her last sentence and shoved Chloe forward.

The small figure stumbled several steps, nearly falling.

Evelyn Ross quickly stepped forward, catching the child securely.

She patted Chloe’s back gently, soothing her in a soft voice. "It's okay, Chloe. Don't cry, don't cry..."

Chloe clung tightly to her neck, voice choked with sobs. "Mommy, Chloe is good, Chloe is obedient... Did I do something wrong? I can apologize... I want to go to school..."

The child's words twisted Evelyn's heart.

She looked up at the teacher, her gaze sharp. "Explain this."

The teacher glanced around, curling her lip disdainfully. "Explain what? She cries all day, disrupting the other children. I told her not to come back tomorrow. Is there a problem?"

Evelyn pressed further. "Why was she crying?"

Chloe was usually strong. She hadn't even cried when bullied by Mrs. Davis. Why would she cry all day today?

The teacher scoffed. "How should I know? She's your child. Handle your own problems! Maybe she's got something wrong with her? If she's sick, get her treated. Don't let her bother everyone else!"

Evelyn's brow furrowed deeply, her eyes turning cold.

Chloe was only two. She couldn't clearly explain what happened. Just then, a young voice spoke up. "The teacher wouldn't let Chloe eat. That's why she cried."

Evelyn followed the voice and saw an elegant woman holding a little boy's hand.

The boy was a year older than Chloe and spoke clearly. "The teacher yelled at Chloe. She made her stand in the corner as punishment. She wouldn't let her nap either!"

Evelyn immediately glared at the teacher.

The teacher's eyes darted away, but she feigned composure. "Nonsense! Benny Lawrence, don't tell lies!"

The boy named Benny Lawrence looked at his mother.

The elegant woman spoke calmly. "My son doesn't lie."

Evelyn looked down at Chloe. "Is that true?"

Chloe cried and nodded. "Chloe is hungry... Chloe is sleepy... But Chloe tried not to cry..."

The teacher flushed with anger and shame. "Lying at such a young age! No manners! Can you believe what a two or three-year-old says?"

The elegant woman's expression darkened.

Evelyn said coldly, "Since we have conflicting stories, let's check the surveillance footage."

The teacher was unperturbed. "You have no right to access the surveillance! School cameras involve privacy. You can't just view them!"

Evelyn let out a derisive laugh and pulled out her phone. "I might not have the right, but the police do. I'm calling them right now!"

The teacher showed no fear.

The police arrived quickly. However, when they tried to retrieve the footage, they found today's recordings were missing.

The teacher crossed her arms, looking triumphant. "Sorry, I forgot to mention. The cameras were under maintenance today."

Evelyn's eyes turned icy.

So she had prepared for this. No wonder she was so brazen.

Just as she was about to speak, that young voice spoke again. "Officer, I can testify!"

Benny Lawrence raised his small hand, speaking loudly. "The teacher did bully Chloe!"

The teacher's face paled instantly.

An officer looked at Mrs. Lawrence. "Can the child assist with the investigation?"

Mrs. Lawrence was about to agree when a voice came from the doorway. "Mrs. Lawrence, I advise you not to meddle in other people's business!"

Everyone turned to see Fiona Valentine entering with a young woman.

Evelyn understood immediately.

So Fiona Valentine was behind this!

Mrs. Lawrence frowned slightly.

Fiona Valentine walked up to her. "Mrs. Lawrence, your son must be very busy. Too busy to assist with any investigation, correct?"

Mrs. Lawrence glanced at Chloe in Evelyn's arms and replied evenly, "Not that busy."

Fiona Valentine paused, then her face darkened. "This matter doesn't concern you, Mrs. Lawrence. Must you stir up trouble?"

Mrs. Lawrence glanced at Evelyn and gave a slight smile. "I simply dislike seeing a teacher abuse a child. I wouldn't feel comfortable with such a person teaching my son."

Fiona Valentine frowned. "I can arrange a different class for your son."

"And what about this teacher?" Mrs. Lawrence held her ground. "She abuses a child and gets away with it? Miss Valentine, you have a son too. If your child was mistreated, would you let it go so easily?"

Fiona Valentine shot a glare at Evelyn. "Of course not!"

"Then," Mrs. Lawrence shrugged, "put yourself in her shoes. I sympathize with this little girl. My son considers her a friend. I respect his choice."

"Aren't you afraid of repercussions from the Valentine family?" Fiona Valentine was furious. "You're not afraid of offending us?"

Mrs. Lawrence sighed. "My family has little business with the Valentines..."

"You!" Fiona Valentine was too angry to speak.

Then, the young woman beside her stepped forward, smiling gently. "Mrs. Lawrence, I heard your husband seeks cooperation with the Vance family, newly established in New York?"

Evelyn and Alexander Vance exchanged a look.

Mrs. Lawrence hesitated. "That's correct."

Fiona Valentine immediately smiled. "So you've latched onto the Vances... Then do you know my sister is marrying into that family!"

She pointed at the young woman. "This is my sister, Penelope Valentine. The Valentine and Vance families are uniting. She will marry Alexander Vance, head of the Vance family. You may not work with the Valentines, but do you also not want the Vance family's cooperation?"

Mrs. Lawrence's brow furrowed tightly.

Fiona Valentine threatened, "Believe me, one word from my sister can cancel your deal with the Vances!"

Evelyn let out a light laugh, speaking coldly. "I'm afraid that might be difficult."