Chapter 2

After the parent-teacher conference, I went directly to Ms. Davies.

"Ms. Davies, I'd like to discuss my daughter, Lily Foster’s situation."

Ms. Davies was tidying her desk, not even looking up. "Oh, Lily Foster, is there a problem?"

"She's been coming home crying a lot lately, saying Leo and his friends often dump water in her backpack and draw on her face."

Ms. Davies impatiently waved her hand. "Mr. Foster, it's just kids being kids. How serious could it be? Just a bit of roughhousing, perfectly normal."

I started to doubt my own ears.

"But my daughter's backpack was deliberately soaked, and her stationery was hidden. You call that roughhousing?"

Ms. Davies sighed, "Goodness, why are you parents so sensitive these days? Leo is such an energetic boy. It's a privilege for your daughter that he even bothers to play with her!"

"His mom is the CEO of Hayes Corporation. You should be thanking her son for even acknowledging your daughter."

My fists clenched instantly.

"A privilege? My daughter is being bullied, and you, as a teacher, not only do nothing but call it a privilege?"

Ms. Davies clearly looked annoyed. "Mr. Foster, that's going too far. Victoria Hayes has donated so much money to our school. It's normal for a child to be a bit spirited. You're making a mountain out of a molehill."

"Besides, isn't it all just kids playing?"

"Playing? My voice couldn't hold back the anger. She comes home crying every day, sometimes her clothes are torn. You call that playing?"

"Oh, kids these days are just too sensitive." Ms. Davies scoffed, pursing her lips. "Leo is such an excellent kid. His mom is a CEO, his dad is a respectable man. Your daughter should be honored to be friends with him."

"I advise you to go home and educate your daughter properly. Teach her to fit in and stop being so petty."

Fine, just fine!

Is this the respect I get for stepping back to support my family?

Is this the professional integrity I get for anonymously donating millions in scholarships to this school every year?