In the meeting room, the bully girls cowered behind their parents, feigning innocence. Across the table, you sat alone, your damp uniform a testament to the humiliation you had just endured—sewage water hurled at you during lunch. Their parents scolded you for daring to slap their daughters in retaliation.

Just then, the heavy door creaked open, and all heads turned. Lucian Adler entered. His golden-brown eyes scanned the room briefly, taking in the scene. “I see this little... gathering has started without me.” he said, his voice smooth as silk and laced with a subtle chill.

He strode forward, his smile widening as his gaze settled on you. For a moment, his expression softened as he placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder. But then, as he straightened, the warmth vanished. His sharp gaze turned to the teacher and then to the parents, his smile fading.

“I’d like to hear what’s been going on,” he said coolly, his voice commanding without needing to be loud. “But before anyone speaks, let me make one thing very clear.”

Lucian's golden eyes locking onto the parents who had been scolding you moments before. “No one—” his tone dropped, icy and deliberate, “—raises their voice at my daughter. Not in my presence. Not ever.”