Chapter 288: For the Child’s Sake, Accept Me
Marcus, “!!!”
She’s not going to check on Ali?
Just worried about someone else’s kid?
Does she not care about her own flesh and blood at all?
But…
Marcus suddenly realized–Gemma hadn’t contacted them in a while.
If she just showed up to see Ali now, she wouldn’t even have a reason.
His expression instantly brightened.
“I’ll take you.”
Cassius stepped in front of Gemma.
“Mr. Wilson, why don’t you stop by the infirmary first… and check the mirror?”
Marcus, “!!!”
Shawn couldn’t hold it in anymore–he slapped his thigh, laughing like crazy.
He always knew Cassius had a sharp tongue, but in front of Gemma, the guy was all cold and reserved. That biting sarcasm was practically buried.
Turns out, nothing triggers his second skill quite like a romantic rival.
Even Thea struggled to keep a straight face.
She had to pinch Shawn’s arm to stop her lips from curling up.
Poor Shawn.
One second, he was grinning.
The next, his face was twisted in pain.
“Ow!”
Thea finally realized what she’d done and quickly let go, her smile turning awkward.
“A teacher enduring pain for their student–it’s a noble sacrifice.”
Shawn, “…?”
“You just wanna overthrow me.”
Thea burst out laughing.
“If that’s how my teacher likes to interact, I’ll gladly play along.”
Shawn, “…Thanks, but no thanks. I’m done teaching u archery.”
Thea giggled. “A teacher for a day-”
“Stop right there!”
Shawn pinched the bridge of his nose.
Thea poked hirn again. “Hurry up, they’re leaving! With a mentor like you, we won’t even get the fresh gossip!”
Shawn, “…”
Forget it. This woman clearly wasn’t battle–tested when it came to juicy drama.
He, on the other hand, lived in a manor drowning in gossip. He’d let her off this time.
At the kids‘ center.
Digby was trying to teach two kids at once.
I was… not going well.
“Mr. Digby! He’s cheating!”
Ali shot his hand up, pointing an accusing finger at Noah.
Digby sighed.
Again?
Every time Noah did well, Ali lost his mind.
But if Ali happened to win, Noah didn’t even blink. Just accepted it and moved on.
Setting
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Chapter 288: For the Child’s Sake, Accept Me
Digby had taught plenty of kids, but this? This was the first time he was truly stumped.
It wasn’t that he didn’t know how to guide children—it was just that these two came with… complications.
Offend one, and he’d be done for.
“Ali, cheating isn’t that easy. Want to try?”
Ali scowled.
No way Noah was actually this good.
“Mr. Digby, you’re playing favorites! If this keeps up, I’m done learning from you. You don’t deserve to be my teacher.”
Digby, “…”
This was impossible.
Impossible!
What did he do in his past life to deserve this? Murder? Arson? Because now he was stuck teaching these two little devils.
“Ali, let’s focus on technique first. You just started-”
“Mr. Digby. Noah’s only good because he got a head start! He’s doing this on purpose to humiliate me!”
Digby, “???”
Noah hadn’t even said a word.
“Ali, instead of blaming others, maybe reflect on what you can do better next time.”
But Ali wasn’t listening.
He couldn’t stand seeing Noah outshine him.
His own mother didn’t want him. But she wanted Noah.
If Noah was useless, if he was completely incompetent, then maybe… maybe Mom would finally look at him.
Maybe she’d regret ever leaving him behind.
But things weren’t going as planned.
Panic crept in.
What if Mom decided she was right all along?
What if she never came back? He’d be completely abandoned.
Before, at least he had Mabel. That made him fearless.
But now Mabel had a baby too, and she was getting colder and colder toward him.
He didn’t want to like Mabel anymore.
“Ali, do you even know what technique I just used?” Noah put down his bow and stretched.
“Be honest—you just want attention, you don’t actually care about the technique, right?”
“No wonder you’re not improving. You’re just a coward who won’t admit he’s scared.”
Ali snapped.
He threw down his bow, rolling up his sleeves, ready to fight.
But Noah didn’t even react. Instead, he bolted toward the door.
“Gemma! I’m coming!”
Gemma had just stepped inside when Noah launched himself at her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
She blinked, then chuckled, bending down to scoop him up. “How’s practice going?”
Noah nodded eagerly. “Awesome! Gemma, ask my teacher–he’ll tell u I’m great
“…Good boy!”
Noah covered his mouth, giggling. “Gemma, that was so half–hearted.”
‘Mom!”
Ali froze for five whole seconds.
Then, realization hit. Fuming, he stomped over.
Gemma finally turned to look at him.
His eyes were practically spitting fire, making her pause.
“Ali, does seçing me make you that angry?”
Ali clenched his fists, his fury stuck in his throat.
“I
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Setting
Chapter 288: For the Child’s Sake, Accept Me
“I know
you
don’t want to see me.” Gemma sighed, eyes turning misty. “But it’s fine. I’ll leave soon.”
She could stay calm with Marcus.
But her own child? That was different.
“Gemma! He was about to hit me!”
Noah wasted no time snitching.
“Did you guys actually fight?”
Noah shook his head.
Gemma tapped his nose. “Then what do you think should happen?”
“He keeps slandering me! He should apologize. Just a simple sorry is fine.”
Gemma turned to Ali. “Ali, what do you say?”
Ali gritted his teeth, fists trembling. No way was he apologizing.
Marcus walked over, effortlessly picking Ali up.
“Gemma, it’s just kid stuff. Let them handle it.”
Gemma raised a brow.
That was new. Before, Marcus always forced others to apologize to Ali, no matter who was at fault.
Guess he’d finally grown a little
“So if Noah wants an apology, will Ali give one?”
Marcus looked at Ali
u think u were
Ali, already defiant, became even more stubborn. I wasn’t wrong! He cheated! He’s a bad kid! And the teacher is biased! I won’t apologize!”
Noah didn’t even get mad. He just pointed at the “There’s video proof. We can check.”
ecurity c
Ali’s face went pale.
He had no idea there were cameras recording everything.
“I…”
He stammered, unable to find an excuse.
The truth was clear.
Gernma tried again. “So… even now, you still won’t apologize?”
Ali’s eyes instantly filled with tears.
Mom had always told him–when you’re wrong, you have to apologize.
But he didn’t want to.
He didn’t want to make Mom mad either.
He stood there, frozen. Completely lost.
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