Chapter 1456
He looked at Millie lying still on the hospital bed, a weight in his chest. “We’re just waiting for you to wake up, Millie.”
The morning breeze drifted through the city, carrying its usual quiet rhythm.
Myron had already moved most of his things here. Unless something urgent came up, he preferred staying close to Millie.
When he opened the door the next morning, Ari stood there with her schoolbag, staring up at him.
He brushed her hair gently. “Brandon thinks you should change schools. What do you say?”
“No. I can handle it myself,” Ari replied, stubborn and steady.
She walked past him and stopped by the glass wall, watching Millie sleep.
“Mom, you always said to face trouble head-on. I’ve already thought of a way. So don’t worry,” she whispered.
Standing beside her, Myron felt a mix of pride and heartache. Ari was really so much like Millie.
“Mom, I’m going to school now,” Ari said softly, giving a little wave. “I’ll see you later.”
Outside, the leaves swayed in the wind, as if Millie were waving back.
Myron walked her to the car. The butler had already packed everything neatly in the trunk.
Ari looked up at him. “Dad, I bought gifts for my classmates.” She then held up a small card. “I paid with the card Mom gave me.”
Myron smiled and nodded.
They arrived at the school soon after. Things felt uneasy after what happened yesterday. Myron and the butler helped Ari put the gift bags on each desk before she pushed them away with a firm, “Kids should fix their own problems.”
Myron agreed but stayed hidden, watching with quiet tension. The butler stood beside him, equally uneasy.
“What will she do?” the butler muttered.
Myron didn’t know either, though he kept his face calm.
As the children gathered for a new day, Ari stepped to the front of the classroom.
“Hi, everyone. I’m Ari—Myron and Millie’s daughter. I’m happy to meet you all and hope we can be friends,” she said clearly.
She smiled and added, “I brought gifts for everyone. I hope you like them.”
The children exchanged unsure glances.
Ari walked up to the boy she’d fought with yesterday. He stiffened the moment she approached and snapped, “What now? Just because your family has money doesn’t mean you get to push people around!”
Ari didn’t respond. She opened a small bag filled with toys and held it close but didn’t give it yet.
“I’m sorry,” she said quietly.
The butler flinched. “Why is she apologizing?”
He almost ran out, but Myron stopped him.
Ari insisted she could settle it on her own, so they kept their distance. Still, Myron’s hands stayed balled up, tension running through him even as he held himself back.