James was trembling with uncontrollable fury.

He had been tormented, and his beloved mother was ridiculed for defending him. She had almost been struck because of it too! With determination, he removed the trash can from Jerry's head, his small face stern as he demanded, "You will apologize to my mother and me!"

William's lips curved into an approving smile.

James had always been a quiet, introverted child who struggled to express himself. He never acted spoiled around William; that privilege was reserved only for Elise. Yet here he was, standing his ground and demanding an apology—proof that any child could learn to assert themselves! Jerry, however, continued wailing, refusing to apologize.

Suddenly, Adam yanked Jerry aside and slapped him.

As Jerry's cries intensified, Adam barked, "Apologize, now!" The command terrified Jerry—he was accustomed to being the little tyrant at home, and his father had never laid a hand on him before.

Now, he had no choice but to obey, muttering almost inaudibly, "I'm sorry."

"Louder!" James snapped, his expression deadly serious.

"I'm sorry," Jerry repeated, his voice stronger this time.

"Now apologize to my mother too."

Jerry shuffled over to Elise and said, "Sorry."

Elise couldn't suppress a small smile—she never sought conflict, but when challenged, she wasn't one to back down easily.

"Are you going to bully anyone ever again?" James pressed.

"No..." Jerry mumbled meekly.

"You'd better not," James growled, his small frame radiating unexpected intensity. "If I catch you doing it again, I won't be so forgiving."

Intimidated by the younger boy's sudden ferocity, Jerry quickly assured him, "No, I won't ever do it again."

Having successfully confronted his tormentor, James returned to Elise's side. She gently patted his head in silent praise.

William moved to stand beside Elise as well, telling Adam and Eva coldly, "I don't want to see you or your son in this school ever again—"

"Wait," Elise interrupted suddenly.

William turned to her, expecting she might show them leniency. He remained silent, respecting whatever decision she would make.

Instead, Elise fixed her gaze on Adam and asked, "What was it you said earlier? That I should get on my knees and apologize to your wife? And let her slap me?"

Adam trembled with fear as he hastily explained, "I'm sorry! I was blind! I didn't realize you were with Mr. Levine, and that your son is his... It's all my fault, entirely my fault..."

As he profusely apologized, Eva quickly joined in.

"Since you understand," Elise said clearly and deliberately, "then get on your knees and apologize to me."

Adam and Eva stared at her in shock, stunned that she would demand such immediate retribution. The tables had turned far more quickly than they anticipated!

"Wasn't that what you demanded of me?" Elise continued, her eyes locked on Adam. "On your knees. Now."

Though Adam was merely a startup businessman, he had cultivated a certain status over the years. His newfound wealth had allowed him to mingle with powerful people, and he considered himself above such humiliation. How could his pride withstand being forced to his knees?

Yet, faced with the intimidating presence of William Levine, Adam eventually gritted his teeth and knelt.

Elise watched him coldly before turning her gaze to Eva beside him. Her meaning was unmistakable, and Adam quickly pulled Eva down to kneel as well.

All their earlier arrogance vanished, replaced by utter humiliation.

Adam then forced out the most undignified words he had ever spoken in his life. "I apologize for my son's behavior. I was foolish not to recognize who you are. I insulted you terribly. Mr. Levine, Miss Scott, I beg for your magnanimity. Please forgive our ignorance."