The Gray family stormed into the school with such a spectacle that they drew countless stares along the way. If not for the fact that class was about to start, students would have rushed out to watch the drama unfold. Ms. Ruby had just stepped into the classroom when a furious voice echoed through the hallway. "Arthur! Get out of here!" The entire class jumped in their seats. Before anyone could react, John barged into the classroom, his face twisted in fury. Behind him followed Zac, Raelynn, and the Gray sisters. Julie had been trying to hold John back, but it was clear he had no intention of letting Arthur off the hook. The narrow aisles between desks made the room feel even more suffocating as the entire family crowded in. The students closest to Arthur instinctively shifted away, sensing the incoming storm. John wasted no time—he raised his hand, aiming a slap straight at Arthur’s face. But Arthur was ready. Before the slap could land, Arthur’s hand shot up and caught John’s wrist in a firm grip. His eyes narrowed, his entire aura shifting. A dangerous presence rolled off him in waves. "What, you want to hit me again?" Gasps rippled through the classroom. John was stunned. Arthur had always been timid, never daring to resist. Yet now, he was standing his ground—staring John down as if he wasn’t intimidated in the slightest. John tried to yank his hand free, but Arthur’s grip was shockingly strong. After a few futile struggles, Arthur finally let go with a forceful shove. John staggered back a few steps, nearly losing his balance. Zac quickly reached out to steady him, then turned to Arthur with a look of outrage. "Arthur! How dare you lay a hand on Dad?!" Arthur scoffed. "Which eye of yours saw me lay a hand on him?"Susie, already fuming, rushed to John’s side. "Arthur! Do you have a death wish?! You just pushed Dad!" Before Arthur could respond, Ms. Ruby stepped forward, placing herself between them. Her sharp gaze swept over the Gray family. "What do you think you’re doing?" John sneered at her. "I’m disciplining my son. This isn’t your concern." Ms. Ruby didn’t back down. "We are in the middle of class. If you have something to say, wait until after school. You will not disrupt my lesson." John’s patience snapped. "Are you out of your mind? He’s my son!" "And right now, he is my student," Ms. Ruby countered, her voice unwavering. John was momentarily stunned into silence. Before he could retaliate, a firm voice came from the doorway. "Mr. John!" It was Mr. Lane, the principal. John’s expression shifted. Immediately, he forced a polite smile and stepped forward to shake Mr. Lane’s hand. "Ah, Principal Lane. I wasn’t expecting to see you here." With Zac’s reputation in shambles, John knew he had to secure his position at the school. He couldn’t afford to let Zac’s standing slip any further. Mr. Lane returned the handshake but subtly positioned himself in front of Arthur. John, thinking he had the upper hand, feigned disappointment. "I apologize if my son has caused you any trouble. He’s been acting out lately. I was just about to take him home to properly discipline him." As he spoke, he reached out to grab Arthur’s arm. But before he could, Mr. Lane casually stepped in the way. "Discipline?" Mr. Lane raised an eyebrow. "Mr. John, are you referring to Zac? Because after everything he’s done, I completely agree—he is long overdue for discipline. As parents and educators, we must take responsibility. But don’t worry, his former homeroom teacher has already been dismissed, and our new teacher, Ms. Ruby, is quite thorough. I assure you, she will do her utmost to properly educate your adopted son." Silence. The room went dead quiet. John’s forced smile froze. Adopted son? Did the principal just call Zac the adopted son? And was he seriously implying that Zac was the one who needed discipline? John quickly recovered, pushing down his frustration. "Principal Lane, you must be mistaken. Zac is a kind, well-mannered boy. I’m sure there’s just been a misunderstanding. He and Arthur are brothers—they were probably just roughhousing like boys do. I’m certain Arthur won’t take it to heart." Then, turning back to Arthur, he added, "You’re coming home today. I’ll set this straight. No need to let small matters escalate any further." John’s tone carried an unspoken threat. Arthur chuckled. "Small matters?" He stepped forward, staring directly at John. "Three days ago, I asked for a birthday cake and got scolded like I was the worst person in the world. But Zac, a mere adopted son, gets a grand banquet in South City’s finest hotel. Yesterday, he tried to frame me for stealing, and I exposed him in front of everyone. Now, you’re here trying to drag me home like nothing happened?" John’s expression darkened. Arthur continued, his voice sharp and mocking. "For sixteen years, you barely acknowledged my existence. When Zac bullied me, you looked the other way. When I was beaten to the point of bleeding, you didn’t care. When I was starving, you didn’t care. But the moment Zac’s reputation takes a hit, you rush in like a hero?" "You’re not here because you care about me. You’re here because you care about your precious adopted son. You’re worried about how this makes him look." The tension in the room was suffocating. John’s face was livid, but he held himself back in front of the principal.Zac clenched his fists. Arthur wasn’t the same pushover he used to be. Mr. Lane spoke up again, calm but firm. "Arthur is in class. If you have personal matters to discuss, do so at home. Otherwise, I will have to ask you to leave." John’s jaw tightened. He knew he couldn’t push any further here. He forced another smile and nodded. "Of course. I apologize for the disturbance." Then, turning to Arthur, he said in a low voice, "We’ll talk at home." Arthur crossed his arms. "I don’t live there anymore." John’s patience snapped, and he turned on his heel, storming out of the classroom with the rest of the Gray family trailing behind him. As soon as they left, the entire class erupted into whispers. Arthur sat back down, unfazed. Ms. Ruby sighed and turned back to the class. "Alright, settle down. Let’s continue the lesson." Arthur smirked. The Gray family still hadn’t learned their lesson. But they would—soon enough.