" Mrs. Beasley , now that you've dealt with Darrell , surely you can let me off the hook , right ? " Darrell rolled his eyes helplessly , cursing , " What an idiot . " While they were bantering , Declan took out his phone and called the grade level principal . Meanwhile , Jordan's gaze darted between Darrell and Cordelia . Suddenly , he let out a derisive scoff . "You're Darrell's mother ? " Yeah , right ! " Stop lying ! " . The moment he laughed , his lackeys behind him started to burst into laughter , too . " Everyone at school knows this pathetic fuck doesn't have a mother- " Before he could finish , Marvin immediately snatched up a stone and hurled it at him . " You shut your filthy mouth ! I dare you to say that again ! " He then turned to Cordelia , pointing an accusatory finger at Jordan . " Mrs. Beasley , he's the one ! He's always the one saying Darrell doesn't have a mother . That's why we wanted to teach him a lesson . " Cordelia was burning with fury . With her hands on her hips , she cursed at the top of her lungs , spitting , " You little tub of lard ! You're the one who doesn't have a mother ! " Life must be so easy for you . You don't have anything better to do , so you decide to pick on others ? " Unable to withstand the public humiliation , Jordan signaled to his lackeys, who immediately began to surround Cordelia and the others . " I don't give a flying fuck who you are ! " he screamed . " Anyone who crosses me is doomed ! " Just then , Declan tossed the cigarette aside , stepped forward , grabbed him by the collar , and said slowly , " I dare you to make a move . " Cordelia had felt a flicker of intimidation facing Jordan's ferocious gang . But with Declan standing solidly in front of her , her courage surged back . Meanwhile , Declan continued , " I've already called the grade level principal . He'll be here any second . " Jordan stubbornly insisted , " Yeah , like I'm gonna- " In the next second , a furious shout rang out from the end of the alley . " Jordan ! What trouble are you causing now ?! " 0.0 % 09:33 Chapter 8 A wave of panic swept through the group . " Shit ! " someone yelled . " It's the principal ! Run " " Their previous ferocity vanished , instantly replaced by panic as they fled in a flustered stampede . 288 iVouchers But it was too late . The school's security guards had already surrounded the area . They rushed out , swiftly restraining anyone who tried to flee . The grade level principal scurried over to Declan , his face etched with a fawning smile . " Mr. Beasley , Mrs. Beasley ... " Declan's voice was flat and icy . " Some students at your school have been spreading malicious rumors that my son has no mother . If you fail to take strict and immediate measures to address this , I see no need to continue my financial sponsorship . " Cold sweat instantly beaded on the principal's forehead . " M - Mr . Beasley , please ! " The new teaching building is still under construction ... Without your support , the project will be abandoned ! " Mr. Beasley , I assure you that we will handle this matter most seriously . You will not be disappointed ! " All the troublemakers were rounded up and taken back to the school to await disciplinary action . As for Darrell , he was given a temporary suspension and sent home under parental supervision . After everything was settled , Belinda rushed forward , her face a mask of exaggerated concern . " Darry , are you alright ? " I'm so glad nothing happened to you . " I was worried sick ! " Cordelia rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath , " What a phony . " She then turned to Declan and waved him over . " Hey , come here and give me a hand . " Declan looked puzzled . " With what ? " Leaning on her stick , she said irritably , " My ... foot fell asleep . " In truth , her legs had gone weak , now that her blustering had faded , A flicker of disbelief crossed Declan's face , a rare crack in his usual mask of indifference . He turned to Belinda . " Thank you for today , " he said . Then , he patted Darrell's head . 41.1 % 09:33 Chapter 8 288 iVouchers Darrell , who looked utterly irritable , flinched and frowned . Eventually , he lowered his head and muttered reluctantly , " Thank you , Ms. Baldwin . " Belinda lowered her gaze , tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear , and said with a smile , " It's my duty . Don't mention it . " Declan gave a curt nod . " We'll be heading home now . " A trace of flustered embarrassment appeared on her carefully composed face . " O - Oh , but my car ... It broke down on my way here in a rush . Could I possibly ... " Cordelia watched the entire exchange in silence . She'd like to know whether Declan would be stupid enough to arrange for her and Belinda to sit in the same car . Just then , Declan said to Darrell , "Hail a cab for Ms. Baldwin . " Belinda froze . But there was nothing she could do but accept after Declan had said this . She forced a smile . " That would be great . Thank you . " Cordelia arched an eyebrow slightly , surprised to hear Declan turn Belinda down . 80.5 %