The boys froze when Elise Scott suddenly appeared.

Jerry recovered first.

He shouted defiantly, "He made me angry! I was just teaching him a lesson! What's wrong with that?"

He was a spoiled little bully.

Elise had never met a child so malicious at six years old.

She took a calming breath. Violence was never the answer with children.

She needed the full story first.

Kneeling, she examined James's dirty, tear-streaked face.

Her heart clenched painfully.

Suppressing her emotions, she asked gently, "Tell Mommy what happened, sweetheart."

James recounted the events calmly.

His composure only fueled Elise's rising fury.

Her eyes blazed as she turned on Jerry. "It was a fair competition! Don't you know what sportsmanship is?"

"My parents said money solves everything!" Jerry retorted fearlessly.

He puffed his chest out arrogantly. "Don't yell at me! Do you know who my family is? My daddy will ruin you!"

That was the final straw.

Elise reached for Jerry's collar, intent on finding his parents.

Jerry, thinking she would hit him, started screaming. "Help! Somebody help! She's hurting me!"

His frantic cries brought his parents, Adam and Eva, running into the room.

They immediately shielded him protectively.

Eva whirled on Elise, snarling, "What do you think you're doing?! You made my son cry!"

She accused Elise without seeking any explanation.

Elise reined in her temper. "Your son bullied my son."

"My son doesn't bully anyone!" Eva shot back, refusing to listen.

Elise held her ground. "Your son attacked mine because he lost the swimming race. Look at his face!"

Eva turned to Jerry. "Is that true, honey?"

Jerry instantly denied it. "No! He yelled at me first! I just pushed him a little."

"See? Your son started it," Eva said dismissively.

"Besides, kids fight all the time. Why are you making such a big deal? They'll be friends again tomorrow."

She tried to leave with Jerry, but Elise blocked her path.

Eva glared impatiently. "What now? My son has another event. Don't think you can stop him from winning!"

"Aren't you going to discipline your son?" Elise demanded coldly.

"I told you, it's just a childish squabble. Your son started it, so it's not Jerry's fault."

Her voice dripped with disdain.

She looked Elise up and down, her tone turning sarcastic. "Wait. You're Elise Scott, aren't you? You've been all over the news lately. Surprised you have a son. So, who's the father? Is he the reason you're doing so well? Though, seeing you now, I admit you've got the looks to charm men."

The other parents, friends of the pudgy Jerry, joined in the mockery.

"Like mother, like son!"

"A terrible mother raises an uncivilized brat."

"The boy is handsome. Wonder if he'll be a gigolo like his mom—"

The vicious gossip was cut short.

Elise's hand connected sharply with Eva's cheek.

The slap echoed in the sudden silence.

Eva's smug expression vanished, replaced by pure shock.