Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 479

"Yes, sir."

The car fell quiet for a moment. Leonard thought for a bit, then filled in the gaps from the past few days-everything he hadn't reported yet. He hesitated, then added, "And about Mrs. Bennett... her throat's been bothering her lately, so she's been resting at home these past few days..."

"I know," the man replied, his voice tinged with a faint, amused warmth.

Leonard's expression shifted. He continued, "And, two days ago, Eugene dropped off our radar for a while. There's a good chance those people are already here."

The man's tone lost its smile in an instant. "But Cossio hasn't made a move yet," he said, clicking his tongue softly. "That old fox is being extra careful. Keep a close watch-they're bound to act soon... especially concerning Mrs. Bennett. Don't let your guard down around her."

"Understood."

Meanwhile, at Sunnybrook Elementary.

Adrian walked into the classroom and saw Julian sitting alone in the back corner, surrounded by a cluster of kids all talking at once. Julian, though, just stared into space, only occasionally mumbling a reply, stiff and absent, like a puppet with its strings cut.

Adrian's fists curled instinctively-he always had the urge to start a fight. But remembering Leonard's warning, he forced himself to hold back, took a few deep breaths, and finally strode over, pushing through the ring of classmates.

As soon as he appeared, Julian's dull eyes lit up.

"Adrian!"

"... Yeah." Adrian gritted out a reply. He reached into the desk and yanked out Julian's backpack, not caring whether Julian agreed or not. Grabbing his hand, he dragged him to the seat beside his own, tossing Julian's bag onto the chair. He muttered, not sounding all that thrilled, "From now on, you're sitting next to me."

But Julian just smiled.

been around other kids-and there was something about Adrian that made him instinctively

off. He hadn't meant to use much force-but whether it was his own strength or Julian's weakness, he wasn't sure. Either way, Julian stumbled, hit the edge of the

Adrian froze.

that

touched you!" Adrian protested, backing up a step. But Julian just sat there, head down, saying nothing. That only made Adrian angrier— until Leonard's words echoed

tugged at

he only whimpered quietly, his face

Adrian realized

a year older, Julian was much smaller and lighter. Adrian all but carried him down the hallway, heading for the

well-years of scrapes and scuffles had

hurried over, fuming as the nurse checked

number with Ms.

just gave him a little push, barely touched him, and he

soft, "I just... my legs gave out. I wasn't

Adrian chimed

doubtful-Adrian was

nurse, after checking Julian's stomach and a few other things, asked some questions and quickly figured out the

how you looked at it, it

safe, Ms. Stephanie reached for her phone, intending to call Julian's parents. But Julian, now a bit steadier, grabbed her sleeve, his face still pale. "Please,

folks find out I skipped breakfast, they'll be

"But you-"

mom might get

"You two-slow down!" Ms.