Sweet Subterfuge novel by Trina Duo
Chapter 412

Bethany's bite had traumatized Aster. When Bethany touched Aster's hand, he flinched, instinctively taking a step back.

It hurt Larissa to see that.

Aster was an outgoing child who got along well with everyone around him. It was extremely rare for him to reject a person. He shook his head ever so slightly and raised his head, casting a pleading look at Larissa.

Reading the fear in his eyes, Larissa stepped forward, using her own body to shield him.

"Ma'am," she began to say, turning to Violet. "Since Bethany has already apologized, let's wrap things up."

Ashamed, Violet answered, "I'm sorry, Larissa. I didn't know Bethany would do such a thing ..."

Larissa couldn't assure her that it was fine as Aster was far from fine given the injury he had suffered. Hence, she remained silent.

However, a parent standing nearby couldn't hold back and brought their child over to complain to Violet, "You seem quite reasonable, so let me tell you this... Your child must be disciplined! She bullies her classmates here every day, and my child has been beaten up by her several times!

"We've talked to her mother, but she scolds us instead, refusing to correct her daughter's behavior! Several children in the class have transferred to another class or school because of her. If you don't believe me, just ask the teacher!"

Violet turned to look at the homeroom teacher, who nodded begrudgingly.

Perhaps sensing the crisis, Bethany hugged Violet's thigh and pleaded urgently, "Grandma! I want to go home! Let's go home!"

Violet told the homeroom teacher, "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Then, she cast Larissa a long look before leading Bethany away. Once they left, several parents gathered around Larissa.

The parent who spoke up earlier asked Larissa, "Did Bethany also bully your child?"

Larissa nodded. All the parents hissed and sneered, casting her sympathetic looks.

"Our children have all been bullied by her. Biting is just a mild case. My son was beaten so badly that he came home all bruised and swollen, but he didn't dare to tell me that Bethany was the culprit." "The Rogers is a wealthy, well-established family. They're not nouveau riche, so it doesn't make sense that their child's upbringing is so poor!"

"Her father is Kevan of Microworks Corporation! When I met Kevan a few years ago, he seemed so polite. How could his daughter turn out to be such a brat?"

"It's probably because of her mother! You all know what kind of person her mother is! She's an unreasonable bitch!"

"Yeah! I called her once to tell her to discipline her daughter, but she hung up on me before I could finish speaking! Preposterous!"

Larissa didn't contribute to their complaints and discussions. Taking advantage of their distraction, she quietly left with Aster. Despite leaving, Aster seemed down.

Larissa comforted him, "Bethany has already apologized to you, so don't worry about it anymore. Just stay away from her in the future, and don't play with her."

"Can I not be friends with her?" Aster looked at Larissa with a mix of anticipation and worry.

"Of course!" Larissa nodded. "You should be friends with the people you like."

She felt guilty because she had taught Aster to be friends with all the children at kindergarten. She did that hoping Aster wouldn't form cliques and become a bully. However, it backfired and caused Aster a great deal of trouble.

A smile finally appeared on Aster's face, and he began to relax-it seemed that he had been worrying about that. While Aster seemed to get over the situation, Larissa couldn't let go of her concerns.