Chapter 8

"Is his dad going to be okay?" Mira asked kindly. "Don't worry, he'll be fine in about ten minutes," Cyrus reassured with a smile. Usually, Cyrus would just drop Mira off at the gate, but this time, he boldly walked into the classroom, holding Mira in his arms. This action was a declaration to Mira's classmates—from now on, Mira had a dad, and nobody was allowed to bully her. Mira's teacher, visibly nervous, said, "I've already called Mira's mom. You better leave quickly and avoid causing more trouble. This kindergarten is run by Victor's aunt." Cyrus responded sternly, "Even if his own mother runs it, no one can lay their hand on my daughter's head." "Hmph, don't you know your own place? You dare confront Victor's parents like that. The principal wants you to go to her office to complete the withdrawal procedure," the teacher said disdainfully. In fact, she found Mira's condition troublesome. If it weren't for Zoey's plea and an additional three thousand dollars for special care, the principal wouldn't have accepted Mira. Rushing to the school, Zoey was filled with both concern and self-blame. Mira, unlike other children, faced rejection from many kindergartens. Still, Zoey was determined to bring some joy into her final days. "Ah, Zoey, you're too naive. Why did you let Cyrus take her? Didn't you promise never to trust him again?" In the principal's office, Victor's parents angrily pointed at Cyrus. "You worthless garbage. Do you think anyone else would accept your daughter? Can you afford a more expensive kindergarten? Do you even have a car to pick her up?" "Dana, either make him kneel and apologize today, or kick Cyrus and Mira out," Arthur stated. Playing with her pen, the principal, Dana Hudson, sneered, "Mira has been here for two years. Has her father appeared even once? Now, he even dares to hit a child. No wonder your wife looks down on you. I don't want to waste my time on you. Let's talk when Zoey arrives." Cyrus didn't get upset. He just smiled and said, "I don't think I'll be withdrawing Mira from school today." "You may try," Dana sneered. Ignoring them, Cyrus sat comfortably, took out the SIM card of his phone, and switched to another one. He sent a message: "This is the young lord of the Hippocrates Sect. I want to call in the favor of saving your grandson's life." Almost immediately, a reply came, full of surprise: "Grand Doctor, are you still alive?" "Don't ask too much. Just follow my instructions..." After sending the message, Cyrus put the SIM card back in his wallet. Zoey arrived quickly, panting and sweating, her beautiful face covered in sweat. Upon hearing about the incident with Victor, she didn't directly blame Cyrus but explained, "Principal, I've reported this matter to the teacher several times. Mira is already sick..." "She's sick. Why didn't you send her to another kindergarten? Do you still have a point to prove?" Dana slammed the table and shouted. "But I've paid 12 thousand dollars for her tuition fees. Can't we at least finish this semester?" "You slapped my nephew. Don't you need to compensate? Consider the remaining money as medical expenses." "Why are you so unreasonable?" Zoey became anxious. She had borrowed the tuition from her father as they were already in financial difficulty. Victor's father stared at Zoey. He seemed to forget about being angry. He hadn't expected to find such a beautiful mom in his son's class. The glamorous woman, Judy Adams, who was Victor's mother, saw her husband's reaction and felt jealous and frustrated. She said, "Do we need to reason with a pauper like you? A few thousand dollars won't be enough. You can't consider it settled without a hundred thousand dollars." The old Cyrus probably would never understand the injustice and grievances a man's spinelessness could bring to his wife and children. Over the years, it was only Zoey's kind heart that prevented her from losing her temper. Even a biological mother might not be able to endure as much as Zoey. "If you continue like this, I will file a complaint," Zoey retorted in anger. "I own more than a dozen kindergartens in Jorsproburgh, with investments totaling over a billion. Do you really think filing a complaint will make a difference?" Dana replied smugly. "You mean to challenge us? Just one word and your Mira won't be able to attend school forever," Judy scoffed disdainfully. Cyrus stood up, stared at Dana and said, "I don't think you're qualified to run a kindergarten. You'd better shut it down." "Who do you think you are? You're just a nobody. Security, kick them all out!" Two security guards, armed with batons, approached Cyrus and Mira. "Get out now. Don't create a scene in front of the children," one of them said. At that moment, Dana's phone rang. "Hello, Mr. Wills. Why are you calling me now?" "Do you have a student named Mira?" "Yes, what's the matter?" "Are you planning to expel her?" Dana hesitated for a moment, chuckling, "Is someone complaining about us? It's a trivial matter. You don't need to worry about it. How about we meet up for karaoke tonight?" "Karaoke? Stop joking. Apologize to the parents immediately, or I'll shut down all your kindergartens tomorrow." "Mr. Wills, this..." "You've offended someone influential. If you don't seek forgiveness from the parents, be prepared to lose everything." After hanging up, Dana was puzzled and nervous, looking at Cyrus, who was smiling. She couldn't help but shiver. Meanwhile, Zoey had already left with Mira. She knew she couldn't compete and decided to concede. "Sweetheart, shall we go home now?" "Mom, does this mean I can't go to school here anymore?" Mira asked cleverly. "Yes, but it's okay. Mom will find another kindergarten for you." "Then can I at least say goodbye to my friends?" Cyrus didn't say anything, but he took Mira from Zoey's arms and walked back into the kindergarten. Meanwhile, in the Principal's office , Dana hesitated for a minute and then hurriedly chased after them. "I'm sorry. Classes are currently underway, and there's no time for Mira to say goodbye to her friends," the teacher said unkindly, preparing to close the door. Dana rushed over and shouted at the teacher, "What's with your attitude? Quickly apologize to Mira's mother." "Huh?" The teacher looked confused. "What do you mean 'huh?' Apologize." Cyrus turned to the principal and said, "I don't want to see this teacher anymore. And as for you, apologize to my wife first." The principal smiled, addressing Zoey, "Mrs. Johnson, our attitude was inappropriate just now. Please forgive us for our oversight." Zoey stood still, stunned. They were so arrogant just a moment ago. Why did they suddenly change their tune? She wasn't someone significant, and she hadn't even had a chance to file the complaint yet. Victor's parents also caught up, feeling dissatisfied. "Dana, what are you doing? Why are you apologizing to this kid?" They asked incredulously. "Shut up and leave! Victor will be transferred to the senior class. Please also educate your son properly from now on," Dana commanded. "Then, can our Mira continue attending school?" Zoey inquired. "Of course, Mira can continue her studies. Our special care teacher will pay special attention to her to ensure her safety," the principal smiled. Not only could Mira continue attending school, but there was also no need to worry about bullying. It was a hundred times better than Zoey could imagine. Exiting the office, Cyrus was waiting on the electric scooter. "Hop on." "No need, I'll walk back," Zoey replied, briskly moving away. She didn't blame Cyrus for today's events, but it didn't mean their relationship could be mended. Once Mira was no more, she would also leave Jorsproburgh. Cyrus followed on the electric scooter, saying, "Don't you need to hurry because you have an order to place?" "I have to return the goods when I get home. We won't be needing them anymore." "Why don't you need them?" Cyrus honestly had no understanding of business. In the past, he only knew to demand money. If they refused, then he could only talk with his fists. As for how to make money and the hardships involved, he had no interest in knowing. Zoey halted and responded exasperatedly, "My dad had to plead with Uncle Lopez to allow us to provide some inexpensive goods to his hospital as a favor. But now, unable to fulfill the order, a single phone call from them can easily secure multiple suppliers. Do you even care to grasp the nuances of this small-scale business?" Cyrus nodded, seemingly understanding, and said, "It's alright. I'll talk to the customers, and try to negotiate with the last customer at least." "Don't bother. Uncle Lopez despises you the most," Zoey remarked. She would never believe a person like Cyrus would ever grovel for business. Zoey didn't get on the electric scooter, and Cyrus didn't insist. When she walked back to the store, she found Cyrus had actually left on the electric scooter. The hospital's order was gone with him.