Chapter 745: Chapter 745: Don’t Touch Me
The principal remained noncommittal, glanced down at the documents, and said, "I think given your circumstances, it would be better for the child to board at school."
What circumstances?
Ann Vaughn was slightly taken aback, and Kenny furrowed his little brows.
Then they heard the principal continue, "Children from single-parent families are more sensitive than those from normal families. A slight oversight can easily lead to deficiencies in character or other aspects. It seems like you can’t be with him for long periods, so why not let the child stay at school and be educated by the teachers?"
This time Ann Vaughn understood.
The smile at the corner of her lips turned icy, "So what you’re saying is that single-parent families are abnormal, and children from such families are educated abnormally too, right?"
The principal frowned, "I’m just offering a better suggestion for both you and your child’s benefit. Children from single-parent families lack love from an early age, and growing up in such environments can cause many physical and mental health issues."
"To prevent any mishaps, I suggest having your child undergo a full physical and psychological examination before re-enrolling..."
Ann Vaughn almost laughed from anger.
Just as she was about to speak, a casual snort interrupted her, followed by a cold and compelling voice—
"Who are you saying has psychological problems?"
Ann Vaughn’s back stiffened slightly; she was supposed to pretend not to notice, but she couldn’t help turning to look.
The man walked in with one hand in his pocket, wearing an all-black designer suit that made his figure appear even more tall and elegant. His features were clear and cold, exuding an undeniable nobility in his every move, making him seem unattainable.
Ann Vaughn’s gaze flickered and she seemed lost.
Perhaps it was an illusion, but he seemed much thinner than before; it’s just that his powerful presence made it easy to overlook that detail.
"Mr. Hawthorne?!" The principal changed his previously picky demeanor, standing up in surprise to greet him with a flattering hand outstretched, "I didn’t expect Mr. Hawthorne to grace us with his presence; it’s truly an honor for the school..."
Cyrus Hawthorne’s narrow eyes gave a faint sweep and accurately looked at Kenny, who was holding Ann Vaughn’s wrist, and gestured to him, "Kenny, come here."
The principal’s hand, which was completely ignored, awkwardly remained raised for a long time. Upon hearing Cyrus Hawthorne call out to Kenny, his eyelid twitched in surprise.
Kenny reluctantly wiggled his little behind, glanced at his mommy, and only when he saw her nod did he move toward Cyrus Hawthorne.
As soon as he walked over, he was picked up by Cyrus Hawthorne with one hand.
"You’ve gained weight." Cyrus Hawthorne’s thin lips moved slightly, mercilessly pricking his own son’s heart.
The little dumpling was so embarrassed he could die. "What’s wrong with a kid being a little chubby! Mommy likes me chubby! Because it’s comfortable to hold!"
Cyrus Hawthorne raised an eyebrow, seemingly unintentionally casting a glance at Ann Vaughn, who had her head lowered, but quickly looked away and whispered something into Kenny’s ear.
The little dumpling’s face puffed up with anger.
Shameless! Absolutely shameless!
Mommy leaving him was the right decision!!
"Mr. Hawthorne..." The principal stood awkwardly to the side, watching the scene before him with a pounding heart, "Is young Jasper Vaughn your..."
"His name is Elijah Hawthorne, my son." Cyrus Hawthorne lifted his sharp eyes slightly, speaking with a hint of amusement.
The little dumpling’s cheeks were red and rosy; he had originally intended to pinch Cyrus Hawthorne with his chubby little hand but switched to hugging instead.
Elijah Hawthorne...
The principal’s face turned ghostly white. The child from the single-parent family she had just mocked was actually the beloved young master of the Hawthorne family?!
Even though Cyrus Hawthorne didn’t say much, and it seemed like he didn’t take this matter to heart, carrying Kenny to his classroom, the principal knew deep down that she was finished.
Forget about her position as the principal; she would have no footing in the entire Imperial Capital from now on!
Things shouldn’t have turned out this way—
"I warned you beforehand that this Miss Vaughn has close ties with the head of the Hawthorne family; if you had listened to even a word or two, you wouldn’t be in this situation now."
The homeroom teacher, who had been pretending to be a quail, only dared to speak up after everyone had left, shaking their head as they left.
...
Cyrus Hawthorne took Kenny away, and Ann Vaughn had no choice but to follow, keeping a not-too-close and not-too-far distance between them.
Yet her eyes couldn’t help but drift towards that tall silhouette.
When she hadn’t seen him before, Ann Vaughn could console herself by saying, look, he’s just like that in my heart; within a few days, I already don’t think about him anymore; in a few more days, I’ll completely forget him!
But ultimately, it was just deceiving herself.
Ann Vaughn slowly withdrew her gaze, a hint of self-mockery appearing at the corner of her lips.
But perhaps she was the only one naive enough to act this silly.
"Mommy, Kenny is going in now." The little dumpling’s baby voice pulled Ann Vaughn back from her thoughts. She returned to her senses, kissed the little one’s cheek as he tilted his head up.
"Have fun, and Mommy will pick you up after school."
The little dumpling held his rosy cheeks with pride, tossing a smug smile at Cyrus Hawthorne, "Then Kenny’s going in now!"
After he spoke, the little dumpling ran into the classroom.
Once he left, only Ann Vaughn and Cyrus Hawthorne were left, standing silently face to face.
Ann Vaughn furrowed her fine brows slightly, wanting to turn and leave, but thinking about how if it wasn’t for his help earlier, she wouldn’t know what kind of insulting words that sharp-tongued principal might have said, so she spoke up.
"Thanks for the trouble earlier, on Kenny’s behalf, I thank you."
Her attitude was well-measured, maintaining distance but not losing politeness.
Of course, this was only valid for outsiders.
Cyrus Hawthorne’s eyes suddenly turned icy, his expression cold and detached, looking at her without any warmth.
He didn’t utter a word, just continued to stare coldly at Ann Vaughn.
Immediately, Ann Vaughn felt an intense sense of humiliation, akin to singing a one-person show, and wanted nothing more than to turn and leave.
She did just that, but who knew she overlooked the staircase beside her, and took a misstep, losing control and falling forward.
Ann Vaughn’s eyes widened to the extreme, her mind going blank for a moment, suddenly feeling a tight grip on her shoulder. Before she could react, she was pulled into a cool, firm embrace.
In the blink of an eye, the two of them tumbled down the stairs together.
"Thud!"
The sound of the fall echoed dully.
While falling, Ann Vaughn was fully protected in Cyrus Hawthorne’s embrace, not suffering a single bump, but his hand was scraped and oozing crimson blood.
Ann Vaughn hurriedly moved away from him, taking out a handkerchief to offer a simple bandage, hoping to stop the bleeding.
Unexpectedly, before she could touch his wound, he effortlessly avoided her without a hint of compassion.
"Don’t touch me." Cyrus Hawthorne’s brows knit tightly, propping himself up, he stood swiftly, not giving Ann Vaughn another glance and turning away coldly.
As if he loathed her to the bone, even unable to bear a single touch from her.
Ann Vaughn’s small face turned pale, her lips pressed tightly, the hand holding the handkerchief slowly falling as well.