Chapter 1453

Brandon said, “Ari is not what you claimed. Yes, she lived in an orphanage, but both Millie and Myron adore her. Millie raised her well. She behaves better than you say.”

His voice grew harder. “This fight began because your child spoke cruelly. And you, as an adult, didn’t correct him. Instead, you even raised your hand at a child.”

His tone cut sharply. “You will apologize to Ari.”

The woman stiffened, unwilling to yield. “But Mr. Watson, Millie is married to someone else. And this girl isn’t—”

“Apologize,” Brandon snapped, voice cold. “I won’t repeat myself.”

The woman, humiliated and flustered, finally dropped her gaze.

“Ari, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken that way today. Please forgive me,” she muttered, lowering the boy to the floor.

The boy sulked, but after his mother shot him a warning look, he mumbled, “Ari, I’m sorry.”

Brandon glanced at Ari.

Ari took a step forward. “It’s fine. Just don’t say bad things about my mom anymore. We can still be friends,” she said.

Brandon watched the two children settle their quarrel. Then he drew Ari near and addressed the remaining parents.

“Whatever the Elliott or Bennett families decide about Ari, she will always be someone I cherish. She will always have a home in my heart. I expect that scenes like this will not repeat themselves again.”

The parents looked at one another, startled, but they nodded quickly.

Soon the group dispersed.

Brandon guided Ari to an empty classroom, where Eugene arrived with the first aid kit. Brandon had Ari sit down and treated her scrapes with gentle, steady hands. He dabbed the ointment softly and blew on each spot to ease the sting. He moved with great care.

Myron stood at the doorway, silent, listening as the teacher explained the earlier chaos. His expression tightened.

Once he finished tending to her wounds, Brandon pulled her sleeve back into place.

“From this day on, you have me to rely on,” he said quietly.

Ari looked at him, still refusing to speak.

Brandon didn’t push her. Instead, he reached into his pocket and brought out a small box. He opened it. Inside lay a jewelry set.

He had crafted it by hand with patience and skill. Now, touched by the sunlight through the window, every facet shone beautifully.

“Ari, this is the gemstone your mother chose for her child long ago,” Brandon said softly.

He gave her a gentle smile. “Because of many twists along the way, it ended up with me. I used it to make this set of jewelry. It might not be valuable, but it carries all her affection.”

Brandon lifted a necklace with a vivid tanzanite at its center and offered it to her. “Would you keep it, sweetheart?”

Ari stared at the necklace without speaking. She then looked up when she heard footsteps approaching.