Chapter 4I Set Her Free to Have Another Man's Child

Diego seized the opportunity to clear his throat. He straightened his clothes and stepped forward, addressing the crowd, "Hello, everyone. I'm Ansel's father. Today, Ansel helped us catch a rotten apple…"

He pointed at Tyler and me. "As everyone knows, the only people who can get their children into this kindergarten are prominent and influential figures. Yet somehow, a single father has managed to sneak in.

"He even bribed the judges to interfere with the fairness of our parent-child sports day."

The parents nodded, looking at me with curiosity and suspicion. I ignored them and simply stared expressionlessly at the burly man who had snatched my phone. "Please return my phone."

As if deliberately provoking me, he "accidentally" dropped my phone on the ground, then stomped on it twice for good measure. "Sorry, sir. My hand slipped."

Diego noticed what was happening and snorted coldly. "Conrad, that man is the head of security here. I suggest you don't make a scene."

So, that was who he was. For a moment, I had thought he was some big shot.

"I only speak to the principal. Go get them."

The security chief paused, looking me up and down. "Our principal has gone to meet Ms. Johnston. I'm afraid she's not available right now.

"I don't know how you managed to sneak your son into this elite kindergarten, but I suggest you leave while you still can. Ms. Johnston cares about this place more than anything.

"If she finds out that a scum like you has ruined everything she worked so hard to build, things won't end well for you."

At that, I knew exactly what was going on.

I pulled out the photo I kept close to my heart and showed it to the security chief. "I'm Ms. Johnston's husband. And this is our son, Tyler."

Tyler was still sniffling in my arms. When he heard his name, he lifted his tearful eyes and puffed out his little chest, determined not to embarrass Alaia or me.

The security chief was just reaching for the photo when Diego snatched it away and tore it into pieces.

"Conrad, there's a limit to how much you can lie. Everyone knows Ms. Johnston hates having her picture taken. None of us have even seen what she looks like. What makes you think you can prove this photo is real?"

Seeing the hesitation on everyone's faces, he grabbed me by the collar and looked me up and down, his tone dripping with disdain.

"Everyone here is wearing designer sportswear, and then there's you, showing up in some worn-out rags you probably picked up off the street."

Even Jane sighed, as if disappointed in me. "Conrad, how did you turn out like this? I know you're trying to make me jealous, but you didn't have to go this far and bring a fake photo to fool us."

Seeing how they were lost in their own world, I laughed despite myself. I couldn't be bothered to argue anymore. I picked up Tyler and headed for the door.

Before I could even reach the entrance, someone tripped me. I lost my balance and went straight down, taking Tyler with me.

At the last second, I twisted my body around and hit the ground with my back, taking the full impact so he wouldn't get hurt.

The welts from the riding crop and the fresh scrapes on my back burned together in agony. I could barely wince in pain.

Tyler had never seen me in such a state. He burst into tears out of panic. He stood there helplessly, staring at me sprawled on the floor, not knowing what to do.

Then a clear, beautiful voice rang out.