Chapter 2

Then, Mariam marched straight over, her face cold and full of contempt. "Ms. Campbell, our preschool director, Ms. Ginny Barlow, asked me to inform you that Keira has been expelled, effective immediately. You better start teaching your daughter some manners before she bites off more than she can chew." I stared her down and said in a cold voice, "Keira was assaulted on your campus and forced to pick up trash. Instead of seeking justice for her, you expelled the victim just to curry favor with the rich and powerful." But Mariam didn't even flinch, replying with disdain, "This is a prestigious academy for the elite. Of course, we prioritize status. The Frasers aren't someone low-level trash like you can afford to offend!" My face turned dark as I shot back, "You better find out who I am before you run your mouth." Before Mariam could respond, Teresa suddenly stepped in front of me. With no warning, she slapped me hard across the face. She hissed, "Who the hell do you think you are, screaming about status like it means something? Even if you're someone, do you think your status is higher than mine, the wife of the wealthiest man in the country? The unexpected slap stunned me. Before long, the other parents immediately jumped in, pointing fingers and hurling insults. "This is hilarious. She's talking to Mrs. Fraser, and she's still pretending like her status means something." Another chimed in, "She clearly lives in a different world. She doesn't even understand what it means to be a real power player." "Getting smacked by Darius should be an honor for her little brat. I don't get why she's so upset." Their words poured down like acid, vicious and shameless. Someone even spat at me, saying I was filthier than garbage. I peeled off my soiled coat and tossed it into a trash bin. Then, I turned and looked Teresa dead in the eye. I growled, "You let Darius bully Keira, and now you're putting your hands on me. Do you seriously think you're untouchable? Aren't you afraid of legal consequences?" Teresa laughed like I'd just told the world's funniest joke. Do you think the law can touch me?" She lifted her designer purse proudly and waved it in my face. "Do you see this bag? Bradley gave it to me. Just this scarf alone could buy your lives—both you and your daughter's!" I narrowed my eyes and studied the bag. It was definitely worth a fortune, but something about it looked familiar. So, I looked Teresa in the eye and said seriously, "Did you say your husband is Bradley Fraser? Great—call him here. I want to see him." Bradley had been in a vegetative state for a decade, completely paralyzed and bedridden. Even with the best doctors I could hire, nothing could cure him. Keira was born through IVF, conceived using his preserved sperm, because I wanted to leave him a legacy before it was too late. There was no way a man who couldn't even tend to himself had gotten remarried and had a five-year-old child. I wanted to know exactly who had the guts to impersonate Bradley and empower Teresa and Darius to trample over others like this. When I said that, Teresa scoffed and let out a sharp snort, her face twisted with disdain. "Do you think someone like you—bottom of the barrel trash—deserves to meet Bradley? Do you really think you've got the right to demand to see him? Give me one good reason." I looked her straight in the eye and said, "Because I'm Bradley's legal wife." The moment those words left my mouth, the crowd burst into laughter. Teresa sneered and glanced at the car I had parked behind me, then mocked, "I figured there'd be women trying to climb the ladder by latching onto Bradley, but you? Driving that ancient, beat-up local junker and daring to call yourself his wife? That's a new one." She snorted and added, "Look at you—so pathetic. Do you think you even come close to being in the same league as me?"