Chapter 5

The next day, I went back home to pack some clean clothes for Chloe. Flipping through her private journal, I found three words scrawled repeatedly across every single page:

"I want to die."

Ding.

A notification popped up in the school's parents' group chat. It was the teacher.

"Attention parents: The recent unfortunate incident has brought negative publicity to our school. Both families are currently in mediation with local authorities. However, Chloe Miller’s mother has been intentionally causing disruptions and instigating physical violence on school grounds."

"We urge all parents to refrain from sharing unverified rumors, or you may face legal liabilities."

Right after it was posted, a reply popped up.

"Well said, teacher. I know my daughter wouldn't just hit someone for no reason. She already told me the other girl bullied her first, and she was only defending herself."

That was the mother of the other little monster. Just as I was wondering why Kaylee's family was staying so quiet, a message popped up from them, only to be instantly deleted.

Still, I caught every single word:

"As long as my daughter didn't kill anyone, I can bury whatever mess she makes."

The teacher continued his damage control:

"Please rest assured, there was no ongoing bullying. This was an isolated dispute escalated by Chloe Miller's mother. We hope everyone refrains from spreading gossip, so our children can enjoy a peaceful learning sanctuary."

A learning sanctuary?

A cold, ruthless gleam flashed in my eyes.

More like a sanctuary for monsters!

I picked up my phone and called my cousin, Troy.

Our families had been close for generations. When he was younger, he had a wild streak and got into a lot of trouble, and I was always the one bailing him out and taking care of his parents.

Eventually, he pulled himself up and made a name for himself. Now, he managed more than half of the commercial construction sites in the area.

Looking through the glass window on the hospital door, Troy saw the raw, bandaged wounds on Chloe’s face.

"How is she holding up?"

I lowered my head, giving a quiet nod.

"Donna, I know you wanted to let the law handle this properly."

"But people like them? They see a single mother and a little girl, and they think you're weak. They think you have no power, so they can walk all over you."

I knew everything Troy was saying. I had already made up my mind.

If we didn't use some real muscle, those bastards would never learn their lesson.

I laid out my entire plan to Troy. Within minutes, he had his men making arrangements.

Looking at Chloe resting in that hospital bed, I vowed to myself: those two monsters were going to pay for every ounce of pain they caused!