My hands clenched.

“And the teachers?”

“They didn’t see. Dylan told everyone I tripped.”

I kissed her forehead and stood.

“Rest. Grandma will stay with you.”

Her eyes widened. “Where are you going?”

I smiled faintly.

“To explain something to your school.”

I stepped into the hallway and dialed a number saved under “Judicial Operations – Priority.”

“This is Judge Carter,” I said calmly. “Pull the file on Marcus Hale. And prepare documentation.”

“Yes, Chief Justice,” the clerk replied.

I hung up.

They thought they hurt a little girl.

They had no idea who her mother was.

Chapter 2: Old Enemies

Brookstone Academy looked more like a luxury resort than a school.

Expensive SUVs filled the lot.

And parked across two spaces at the front—

a bright blue Lamborghini.

I recognized the attitude before I even walked inside.

The secretary tried to stop me.

“Ma’am, the principal is in a meeting with a donor—”

I pushed the office door open.

Inside sat Marcus Hale.

My ex.

Ten years had changed nothing.

Still the expensive suits. Still the arrogance.

His son Dylan sat on the couch playing video games.

Marcus leaned back and smirked.

“Well, if it isn’t Victoria Carter,” he said. “I heard your kid took a tumble.”

He laughed.