Sweet Subterfuge novel by Trina Duo
Chapter 416

After having a conversation with the homeroom teacher, Violet arranged for Bethany to apologize to her classmates before the class began. Hence, Bethany stood at the front of the classroom and bowed to everyone.

"I'm sorry," she said, her voice low and remorseful. "I was wrong, and I won't do it again. I hope you can forgive me."

Children around the age of five years old were the most innocent. They didn't consider things the way adults did. Often, they would express their emotions directly.

They all looked at her timidly. None of them dared to speak up. Violet felt a bit uneasy and had her maid distribute the snacks she had prepared to all the children in the class.

It had been many years since she cared about others' opinions. Now, for the sake of her granddaughter, she had to force a smile, appeasing a group of children.

"Bethany has realized her mistake, and I have scolded her too. You are all good children, so don't be mad at Bethany. Can you be friends with her?"

"No!" a little boy refused loudly. "My mom said Bethany is ill-mannered, and I can't be friends with her!"

Violet froze. The homeroom teacher immediately stepped forward and awkwardly covered the little boy's mouth.

"Joey, you can't say such things!"

The homeroom teacher had heard the words "Bethany is ill-mannered" many times when parents came to complain, and it was normal for children to imitate what they heard. However, saying it in front of Bethany's guardian was a different ballpark.

She carefully observed Violet's expression, afraid that she might complain to the principal in anger and make her lose her job.

The homeroom teacher was familiar with Bethany's family background. Given her father's financial power, he could easily acquire the kindergarten. Even the principal was particularly wary of him. However, Violet remained calmer than she had imagined. Resuming her gentle and kind demeanor, she walked to Joey's side and squatted beside him.

"I will teach Bethany well, but you also need to give Bethany a chance to correct her mistakes. I promise you all that Bethany will never bully you again! If she dares to hit someone, you can tell me, and I will take her home and never let her come here again, okay?"

"Well, I still don't want to be friends with her!" Joey was not swayed by her kind words and stuck to his stance. Many other children in the class had the same feeling, including Aster.

Violet was at a loss and began considering transferring Bethany to another school. The children here couldn't accept her, so she needed a new environment to start over.

At that moment, Violet glanced at Aster, who was sitting in the center of the last row.

She knew Larissa didn't want to see her again, but she always cared about her. Perhaps it was guilt or regret, but she always hoped Larissa would be well. Since Aster and Bethany were in the same class, she ought to have more chances to meet Larissa and inquire about her current situation.

Due to the children's objections, Violet didn't stay in the classroom for long. The homeroom teacher handed the class to other teachers and took Violet to the office.

"Mrs. Rogers, don't be too upset." The homeroom teacher tried to comfort her. "The children are scared of Bethany because of what happened before, and their perception of her won't change right away. After some time, when they see that Bethany has truly changed, they will be willing to play with her."