The teacher and staff approached them.
“You must be Damien’s father, right? It’s rare to see you here. This is your first time joining one of Damien’s parent–child events, isn’t it?”
Harrison’s expression remained as cold and distant as ever. He simply gave the teacher a silent nod.
Sensing his icy demeanor, the teacher couldn’t help but shiver, as if a chill had swept over her. Harrison looked every bit the unapproachable type.
Felicity flashed a triumphant grin and pointed at Harrison’s face, turning to the teacher. “Oh, he didn’t want to come at all. I practically stormed over to the Vaughn estate at dawn and dragged him out of bed myself.”
She was exaggerating, of course–but not by much. That morning, Felicity had indeed barged into the Vaughn family home, intending to march straight into Harrison’s room. To her surprise, she found the bedroom door locked.
She had stood outside, pounding on the door like a madwoman. Only after a long wait did Harrison finally emerge, freshly showered and looking thoroughly unamused.
Damien puffed out his tiny chest with pride. Only Flick could get his dad to come to these events. If it weren’t for her, Harrison never would have shown up–not once, not ever.
Every year before, it had always been that uptight woman who accompanied him and Daph to these things. With Selene around, Damien spent every competition on edge, terrified she’d be upset if they didn’t win first place.
“Miss Thompson, are you here today as Mr. Vaughn’s friend?” the lead teacher asked, recognizing Felicity immediately. She’d caused no small amount of trouble at the school, and the teacher was wary of her.
The moment Felicity arrived, the teacher had a sinking feeling–she just ‘ Felicity was bound to stir up more chaos during the event.
Trying to keep things official, the teacher addressed Felicity with a measured tone. “Our parent–child events have clear guidelines. Even if an attending adult isn’t the child’s biological parent, they must at least be a relative. That way, every child feels they belong. Parental roles simply can’t be replaced by just anyone. If we let anyone fill in, children could feel left out or upset, and that’s not good for their
1/2
09.07
Chapter
emotional well–being.”
Felicity’s expression changed in an instant. “I’m Damien’s dad!” she shot back, her eyes warning the teacher not to push her luck.
Taken aback by Felicity’s outburst, the lead teacher took a deep breath and turned her attention to Harrison instead. “Mr. Vaughn, since you’re finally here–since it’s so hard to reach you–I’d like to discuss something with you.”
Felicity gave a derisive snort. “Watch it–you’re just a teacher. Don’t meddle too much in your students‘ families.”
“Mr.
The teacher ignored her completely and addressed Harrison with extra gravity. Vaughn, Damien is only five years old. This is a crucial stage for his development, and he needs the right guidance from you. It’s important he doesn’t develop any confusion about his identity.”
She paused, then continued, “At school, Damien’s been teaching the girls in his class to call themselves ‘dudes‘ and act like boys instead of girls. He’s even encouraged them to use the boys‘ bathroom. I’ve reported this to your family’s housekeeper, but I wasn’t sure if you were aware.”
蜜告
