Chapter9: A Big Stage, A Big Fall 

Evelyn’s gaze locked onto Caleb. It was astonishing. In the past, she’d repeatedly tried to get him to attend school events, but he’d always been too busy. Her mother–in–law had scolded her for bothering him. It was her responsibility as Mrs. Reed to handle everything related to the kids. 

Savannah and Caleb approached. 

“Evelyn, I brought Caleb here!” 

Caleb found her unfocused gaze amusing. Surely she still loved him; her eyes wouldn’t lie. Je sat beside Evelyn; Savannah sat beside him. The other mothers looked over, some already excitedly munching on snacks. 

“Tommy’s presentation will blow you away!” Savannah whispered to Caleb, their heads almost touching. 

“You’re off work today?‘ Evelyn asked. 

Before Caleb could answer, Savannah cut in, “Caleb’s very busy. I asked him to spare an hour to see Tommy’s presentation.” 

Evelyn gave a sarcastic smile.“Savannah’s word is law.” 

It turned out that her husband was not an impossibly busy man. It was just that she was insignificant to him. 

The presentations began. Savannah. point 

excitedly. “Your son’s 

stage!” 

Tommy wheeled a large red box onto the stage. A prominent Excellent Work” sticker was plastered on it. Seeing Caleb in the audience, he puffed out his chest. Savannah didn’t lie; she’d gotten his father there. 

Tommy’s clear voice boomed through the microphone. “Today, I’ll show you my space fortress made of straws. My dearest Sav helped me make it!” 

Savannah beamed with pride, arms crossed. 

Under everyone’s expectant gaze, Tommy opened the box. Then, his expression froze. 

A nearby lady whispered, “You helped Tommy with his project?” 

Savannah replied, “His mom abandoned him, so he turned to me.” 

The lady tsked. Your sister so irresponsible!” 

Savannah noticed Tommy staring blankly at the box. She urged, “Tommy, show everyone your space fortress!” 

Tommy’s face flushed; he shook his head, tears welling up. 

“What’s wrong with him?! The teleprompter has his lines! Doesn’t he know how to read?!* Savannah was furious. She’d brought Caleb here to witness Tommy’s triumph; to show him she was a better mother than Evelyn. But Tommy was failing her. 

“He probably doesn’t know how to get it out. I’ll help him.” Savannah jumped up. “Ma’am, you can’t go on stage! The teacher tried to stop her, but it was too late. Savannah stepped onto the stage, directly into the camera’s view.“Tommy, get the fortress out!” Tommy slammed the box shut, frantically shaking his, head. 

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< Chapter? A Big Stage. A Big Fall 

“No! I can’t!” 

“Get it out!” Savannah hissed.“I 

hissed.“I worked hard on it! 

Menu 

Don’t let me down!” 

Tommy pressed himself against the box, preventing Savannah from opening it. The box tipped over, scattering straws everywhere. A pink sticky note fell out, its message instantly projected. onto the large screen. It read:$30 and you want me to stay up all night to build you a space. fortress? Go eat sh*t! 

Tommy slumped to 

to the floor, watching 

the 

straws roll across the stage. 

Ms. Jones, shocked, asked, “Tommy, you didn’t actually make this?” 

I did!” He trembled, tears welling up. 

Ms. Jones picked up the note.“What’s this? Who did you pay to finish your project? We encourage parent–child collaboration. Why did you lie?” 

Tommy sobbed. He’d never felt so humiliated. He was small and vulnerable on that vast stage, like an abandoned bird. 

“I thought…” He knew any explanation was useless. 

His eyes darted towards Evelyn. If she hadn’t left, he’d have a magnificent space fortress. But Savannah had ruined the unfinished one. Savannah was lying; the box contained only discarded straws. He and Savannah had deceived the teacher and everyone else. 

Humiliating tears streamed down his face. Jones felt a pang of sympathy. 

so–called amazing space fortress? All I 

She angrily confronted Savannah. “Miss Hayes, is the see is a jumble of straws.” 

Ms 

Savannah frantically waved her hands. “I don’t know! I was tricked!” 

Ms. Jones sneered. “Who told you to pay someone to do that?$30 for an overnight project? You’re delusional!” 

Savannah’s face burned. She heard laughter and felt the weight of countless scornful gazes. Tommy burst into tears. 

Savannah scooped him up and fled the stage. Ms. Jones stepped forward, apologizing.“I apologize for the sticker. Miss Hayes took it from me. She assured me Tommy’s project would be amazing. I should have checked more carefully.” 

The 

parents 

murmured.“What’s 

in that box was certainly… 

impressive.” 

“And this happened to the future heir of the Reed family! Even more amazing!” 

“It seems Mr. and Mrs. Reed really are divorced. Poor kid.” 

Tommy sobbed in Savannah’s arms, “I want Mommy!” He stamped his foot in frustration. “Get Mommy back and finishing my homework!“*