Chapter 1

At the parent-teacher conference, Tiffany's essay, "My CEO Dad," won first place, and the whole class applauded.

After the meeting, my son, Leo, ran to me crying, five fiery red handprints marring his face. "Mom, Tiffany hit me again! She said I don't deserve to be in the same class as her, and she spit on me!"

I picked Leo up and headed straight for his homeroom teacher to confront her.

Ms. Albright scoffed, "Stella, kids roughhousing is perfectly normal. Don't blow things out of proportion."

"Besides, Tiffany is the daughter of Andrew Maxwell, the CEO of Maxwell Group. Who do you think you are?"

"Since Tiffany said so, if you know what's good for you, just transfer schools and get lost. Don't ruin Tiffany's learning environment."

I froze for a second.

Then I called my private lawyer. "Prepare the divorce papers. I want to strip Andrew of everything."

He dared to use my money to support his mistress and illegitimate daughter? That was absolutely insane.

After the parent-teacher conference ended, I approached Ms. Albright.

"Ms. Albright, I'd like to talk to you about my son, Leo."

Ms. Albright was tidying up her desk, not even looking up. "Oh, Leo. What's the problem?"

"He's been coming home crying a lot lately, saying Tiffany and her friends keep pouring water into his backpack and drawing on his face."

Ms. Albright impatiently said, "Stella, how serious can kids' stuff be? It's just minor scuffles, perfectly normal."

I started to doubt my own ears.

"But my son's backpack was deliberately soaked, and his stationery was hidden. You call that 'minor scuffles'?"

Ms. Albright waved a hand. "Ugh, why are you parents so sensitive these days? Tiffany is such a lively kid, and she even chooses to play with your son! That's a blessing for him!"

"Her dad is the CEO of Maxwell Group. You should be thanking her for even *acknowledging* your son."

My fists clenched instantly.

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

Ms. Albright was clearly annoyed. "Stella, you're being unreasonable. Andrew, Tiffany's dad, donated so much money to our school. It's normal for a child to be a bit spirited. Don't make a big deal out of nothing."

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

"Playing? My voice couldn't hide my fury anymore. He comes home crying every day, sometimes his clothes are torn and tattered. You call that playing?"

"Oh, kids these days are just too sensitive," Ms. Albright scoffed, curling her lip. "Tiffany is so excellent. Her dad is a CEO, and her mom is a respectable lady. It's an honor for your son to be friends with her."

"I advise you to go home and properly educate your son. Tell him to learn how to fit in and stop being so petty."

Fine. Just fine!

Is this the respect I earned by stepping back for my family?

Is this the teaching ethics I earned by anonymously donating millions in scholarships to the school every year?