The footage captured a heartwarming scene from a recent family day event at Westwood Academy.
Liam, having just won first prize in the sports competition, was encircled by a group of awestruck classmates. His expression glowed with triumph and just a hint of arrogance. One curious child piped up, "Liam, were those your parents cheering for you?"
There was a brief pause before Liam nodded.
A chorus of impressed whispers spread through the group.
"Your dad is seriously the coolest! He totally crushed the father-son relay!"
"And your mom is gorgeous! She gave me candy when I fell earlier!"
Liam's chest visibly puffed up at their admiration.
Another student suddenly blurted, "Wait - you never mention your mom. We thought maybe... you didn't have one? Is she famous or something?"
With evident pride, Liam announced, "She's a concert violinist. She's preparing for a European tour right now."
"No way!" The children gasped collectively. "That's insane, Liam!"
"No wonder you keep her to yourself! If my mom was that amazing, I'd lock her up so no one could take her!"
"At least your mom has a real job. Mine just watches soap operas all day. It's so lame. I wish I had your mom instead."
The children's thoughtless words were inflating Liam's ego beyond reasonable proportions.
Then one observant girl asked, "Liam, I saw a really pretty woman dropping you off last week. I thought that was your mom."
Liam's smile vanished instantly. His entire body tensed. "That's just the housekeeper," he snapped. "Not my mother."
The recording cut abruptly, leaving the meeting room in heavy silence.
Amy's fingers curled into fists unconsciously. Even though Victoria and Alexander had warned her about Liam's attitude, seeing her son's cruel words on screen still felt like a knife to her heart.
As the video played, confusion flickered across Liam's face.
Victoria, seated beside him, gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, helping him regain his composure.
The subsequent clips showed mundane school activities - nothing particularly noteworthy.
Until the final recording grabbed everyone's attention.
In the footage, Oliver approached Liam at the art table. "Why did you lie?"
Liam barely glanced up from his drawing before turning away with clear irritation. "About what?"
"About Amy. She's your real mom. Why pretend that awful woman is your mother?"
Liam shrugged carelessly. "Why do you care?"
Oliver's voice grew heated. "Do you have any idea how much that would hurt her?"
"So? She'll always be my mom no matter what I say."
"I won't let you talk about Amy like that!" Oliver's hands clenched at his sides.
Annoyed by the confrontation, Liam lashed out. "Why are you so obsessed with my mom? Jealous because you don't have one?"
Oliver went deathly pale, as if struck physically.
The teachers present couldn't help but wince in sympathy for the orphaned boy.