Chapter 2

Jana frowned at me, then said coldly after a moment, "Sir, I don't know you. I have manners, but that doesn't mean I'll tolerate you repeatedly slandering my husband and son. Our company's legal department isn't to be trifled with either."

Leah huffed in disbelief. "Mom, what are you saying? You don't even recognize me and Dad anymore?"

The people around burst into laughter.

"Hey, girl, aren't you taking this act a bit too far? You'd better take your dad and leave before Ms. Webster goes after you. Brighton Group isn't something ordinary folks like you can mess with."

Even Leah's classmates began to look at her with disgust and disdain.

"Leah, how can you be so despicable? You always seemed so well-mannered, but who knew you were this vile deep down?"

Leah grabbed Jana's sleeve and pleaded, "Mom, what's wrong with you? Why are you saying you don't know us? Speak up for me and Dad! Can't you hear how terribly they're insulting Dad?"

Jana unceremoniously shook off Leah's hand. The latter stumbled backward two steps, her face filled with hurt.

At the same time, Barton interlocked his fingers with Jana's and shot me a look of undisguised provocation.

I instantly understood that he knew everything. I immediately reached out and grabbed Leah.

"Leah, since she doesn't acknowledge you, you don't have to consider her your mom from now on either."

As soon as I finished speaking, Jana furrowed her brows almost imperceptibly.

Moments later, my phone vibrated again.

"Lamont, I already explained it to you. I'm just playing mother to Trenton for one day. How can you not have empathy at all? If I acknowledged you as my husband, how would Barton and Trenton face everyone afterward?

"How could Trenton even go to school anymore? If you hadn't insisted on making a scene, none of this would've happened. Getting scolded is what you deserve. Now, take Leah home and reflect on yourself properly!"

I couldn't help but sneer. It seemed Jana had been sitting in the general manager's seat for so long that she'd forgotten who granted her that authority.

At that moment, the teacher organizing the field day came over to play peacemaker and announced that the fun run was about to begin.

As we walked toward the stadium, Barton brushed past me with a smug smile.

"Losers like you deserve to be dumped. Only a career-driven man like me is worthy of a successful entrepreneur like Jana. If you know what's good for you, take your daughter and get lost!"

I let out a cold laugh. A career-driven man?

Just moments ago, HR had messaged me back. Barton had only been promoted through Jana's backdoor connections and didn't even understand the most basic business operations in the company.

It seemed he only knew I was Jana's husband but had no idea that I was the true helmsman of Brighton Group.

The HR and legal departments had just confirmed that they had drafted the termination notice and divorce papers and were on their way by car.

The reason I stayed was to publicly tear off Jana's and Barton's hypocritical masks and seek justice for Leah and myself.

Jana and Barton were invited to the VIP viewing stand. School management and parents alike were flattering them warmly and obsequiously.

Jana held her chin high, looking aloof and superior. Every inch of her expression was beaming with self-satisfaction.

On the other side, Leah had already taken her position on the track. She managed a faint smile in my direction, and I waved to cheer her on.

In the blink of an eye, something unexpected happened. Trenton suddenly rushed onto Leah's track and stuck his leg out, causing Leah to trip and fall hard onto the ground.

I rushed over.

Leah's face was twisted in agony, her forehead dotted with sweat. Both her knees were bloody and mangled.

My heart clenched with pain.

Trenton, however, looked triumphant. He laughed smugly and said, "That's what you and your dad get for being so pathetic! Let's see if you dare to mess with us again!"

I was so furious I was about to punch him right then and there. But Jana blocked me, shielding Trenton and Barton protectively.

"Enough. It's just kids messing around. Are you really going to make a big deal out of this?"

My chest heaved with rage. "Just kids messing around? Take a good look at how much pain Leah is in! This is clearly intentional."

Barton chuckled leisurely as he pulled a stack of cash from his wallet and scattered it over Leah, though his gaze was fixed on me.

"You two are doing all this for money, right? Consider this compensation for the injury. Now, take it and get lost!"

The surrounding parents had already burst into laughter. They looked at Leah and me with contempt, blindly pandering to Jana and Barton.

"See that? This is what happens when you offend the powerful. You just have to suck it up."

"It's all because they provoked Ms. Webster's family in the first place. They brought this on themselves. Even if she broke her leg, it serves them right."

"Since Mr. Ritter already gave you the money, why don't you just get lost?"

Leah was receiving treatment from the school nurse. She looked to Jana for help, but Jana turned her head away.

Her gaze gradually dimmed as she took my hand. "Dad, you were right. From today on, I don't have a mother anymore."