Carol was undeniably sharp, and her question was purposeful, especially since the kid probably wouldn’t lie.

But despite her pain, the woman stepped forward before Joseph could answer. "Anyone could have taught him that. It was all over the news. He probably saw it there!”

"News? Hah..." Carol sneered, pulling Joseph over. "Stop crying. Tell me about the news you saw."

Joseph was still wailing. The woman glared at Carol. "Don't you dare manipulate my son. I said he saw it on the news!”

Dylan snorted. "If you dare speak again, I won't mind rendering your other hand useless too."

The woman trembled and took a step back.

Carol squatted before Joseph, questioning, "Tell me, who told you these things? Who made you insult the other kids?"

Joseph looked at his mom, then at the stern Dylan before finally opening up. "My mom taught me that! She said Ava's dad is a criminal, and her mom is a homewrecker. She's a bad kid, and everyone should punish bad kids..."

Carol stood up to slap the