Stella had just reached the office door when she overheard the conversation inside.
"That kid keeps bullying our Keen, just look at the bruises on him... Today he even hit Keen. Haynes, we can't let this slide. When the other kid's parents show up, we need them to give us an explanation."
A man's deep, calm voice responded, "Alright."
Stella paused briefly before knocking on the office door.
"Sorry, I'm late."
As soon as she entered, a young, indignant voice piped up. "What are you doing here?!"
Stella's gaze shifted to Keen, who was being protectively held by Rachel.
When Keen caught her eye, he lifted his chin confidently, a smug look spreading across his face. "My nanny has no business being here!"
Keen was genuinely upset. He got into trouble, the teacher called her, and she had the nerve to deny she was his mom!
Hmph, just like Rachel said, mom was just playing games to get attention from him and dad.
Saying she wouldn't come, yet here she was, rushing over?
Rachel, seeing Stella, wore a look of surprise, as if Stella was an uninvited intruder. "Ms. Cameron, what brings you here?" She quickly brought her hand to her mouth as if realizing her faux pas.
"Ms. Cameron, I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it. It's just that when the teacher called you, you didn't come and even denied being Keen's mom...I was worried Keen would be at a disadvantage, so I came to check things out. Ms. Cameron, please don't misunderstand, I have no intention of taking Keen from you."
Standing to the side, Haynes' expression turned cold.
"Stella, I can deal with whatever issues we have, but this involves Keen."
He fixed his gaze on her, "Stella, I won't allow you to use Keen as a bargaining chip against me."
Rachel, eyes watering, added, "Ms. Cameron, I know you dislike me and don't want Keen to be around me. But, you've been away for a while, and Haynes has been busy. I just stepped in to help out. If you're willing to come back, Ms. Cameron, I promise I won't seek out Keen or appear before you again."
Before Stella could respond, Keen interjected angrily.
"No way, she's the one who doesn't want to be my mom!" Keen glared at Stella, shouting, "If I have to choose between Rachel and mom, I choose Rachel!"
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