Chapter 281 Expelled from Lakeside Haven
"His mom's a murderer? Oh my God, I can't let my kid go to school with someone like that!"
"Exactly! If you keep him here, my kid's out!"
"It's too dangerous! Bad genes are hereditary. What if he goes nuts and starts hurting people at school?"
Each accusation felt like a knife stabbing into Lucas's heart. He stood alone on the stage, his small figure trembling with pain.
The chubby kid who had been scared off by George earlier now felt emboldened with his father backing him up. He arrogantly lifted his chin, "Isn't your dad supposed to be tough? Let him come out and see whose dad is tougher! My dad's a senior exec at the Russell Group, and he's friends with Mr. Russell, who even gave me a birthday present. What do you have to compare with me?"
Hearing this, Lucas's head drooped even lower.
George had given a birthday present to someone who bullied him but had never given him one.
"Dad," Lucas murmured.
"What's wrong?" A cold, commanding voice sounded in front of Lucas.
Looking down, Lucas saw the shiny leather shoes, then his eyes traveled up to the crisp suit and the incredibly handsome face.
It was his dad—George.
" Lucas, are these the ones bullying you?"
Lucas had countless grievances stuck in his throat. He had often fantasized about George and Anna standing up for him. But now that George was really in front of him, he couldn't say a word. He just nodded heavily, tears welling up in his eyes.
George looked down to see Lucas, who barely reached his chest. Lucas stared up with wide eyes, trying hard not to cry, but his mouth was twisted into a sad frown.
This reminded George of when Lucas was born, a soft, tender baby he had once sworn to protect from all harm.
But he had failed as a father. He had broken his promise and let irrelevant scumbags bully his only son.
George's heart ached. He squatted down and said in the gentlest voice he could muster, "I'm sorry. From now on, I will protect you."
He then pulled Lucas into a tight embrace.
"Dad!" Lucas finally broke down, crying out all the pent-up grievances from the past years.
The chubby kid's dad was already terrified when George appeared. He was a mid-level employee at the Russell Group, used to being arrogant outside, and his son had grown accustomed to being on top.
They never expected to provoke George today.
"Mr. Russell, who is this?" The man stammered, unsure of what to say.
"This is my son. I heard everything you said. You want to kick him out of school? If you like kicking people out so much, then take your son and get out!"
The man implored, "No, Mr. Russell! It's my fault. I really didn't know he was your son!"
George declared sternly, "So it's okay to bully him if he's not my son? Don't bother coming to work tomorrow. The Russell Group doesn't need employees with such poor character."
"Mr. Russell, please, hear me out..."
The man tried to say more, but George had no patience for his excuses. He turned his gaze to Principal Ivan Franklin, silent but imposing.
Ivan knew about the bullying in the school but never imagined the students would dare to bully George's son.
Ivan quickly bowed, "Mr. Russell, rest assured, our educational philosophy is to protect every child and help them grow healthily. Such scum doesn't deserve to be in our school. We'll expel him immediately. Elijah!"
A bald man with glasses stepped forward, "Yes, Mr. Franklin."
Ivan pointed at the chubby kid, "Which class is he in? Expel him immediately."
Elijah replied, "Get it, Mr. Franklin, I'll handle it right away."
The chubby kid never expected things to turn out this way. He added, "My dad is a leader at the Russell Group. Who are you to expel him? You have no right! I'll tell Mr. Russell and make sure you can't stay in Lakeside Haven."
"Oh, you know George?" George sneered at the chubby kid.
"Of course I do. Mr. Russell even gave me a birthday present. You'll pay for messing with my dad!"
George chuckled. The Russell Group had great benefits, not only for employees but also for their registered family members. He never thought such a trivial matter would give the chubby kid so much confidence.
"You want to know who I am? You're not worthy."
With a casual wave, George's bodyguards dragged the chubby kid and his parents out of the auditorium.
The farce ended. Neither George nor Emma had any interest in watching the performance. They each took one of Lucas's hands and left.
Before leaving, George gave Ivan a meaningful look, making Ivan tremble. He knew this was George giving him a chance to reform. Before Lucas returned to school, he would ensure the school was free of bullying.
The chubby kid's family left Lakeside Haven in disgrace that night. They had offended George, and if they didn't leave quickly, they might never be able to leave.
However, this incident left the chubby kid with a grudge against the Russell Group and Lucas. Years later, he returned to Lakeside Haven, causing Lucas a lot of trouble, but that was a story for another time.
At this moment, Lucas was immersed in happiness. Although he had never celebrated a birthday in the past six years, today George promised to make up for all the missed birthdays.
They went to an amusement park, a movie theater, had cake, and bought toys. Everything Lucas had heard his classmates talk about, George and Emma took him to do.
It was wonderful to have the companionship of parents. That night, Lucas fell asleep with a smile.
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