Chapter 208

"No way!"

Little Nina proudly lifted her chin, her pink princess dress shimmering in the sunlight. She stomped her foot hard, as if trying to crush the terrifying idea of "marrying a cripple."

"Mommy says cripples are useless trash!" She pouted, glaring at Daniel. "I'm going to marry a prince on a white horse!"

Tommy immediately burst into exaggerated laughter, slapping his thigh. "Trash cripple! Trash cripple!"

The three boys, as if discovering a new toy, began mimicking Daniel's limping walk. Timmy seized the moment to stick out his foot, tripping Daniel.

Daniel fell hard, scraping his knees. He bit his lip fiercely, but tears spilled out uncontrollably.

"Look, the cripple's crying!" Timmy puffed out his chest triumphantly. "Afraid no one will want you?"

Harsh laughter echoed across the playground. Daniel curled into himself like a wounded animal.

Andrew Lucas stood nearby, his heart clenched by an invisible fist. The taunts stabbed at him like knives—he was the one who had pushed his son into this torment.

Daniel had delicate features, inheriting the best of both parents. Yet now, all anyone saw were his trembling legs.

Andrew strode forward and crouched to help his son up. But Daniel flinched away as if burned, his small face twisted with humiliation.

The nanny rushed over to scoop Daniel up. The little boy struggled to walk on his own but fell again with a heavy thud.

"Stupid cripple fell again!" Timmy doubled over with laughter. "Anyone who marries him is doomed!"

Nina turned her face away in disgust. "I'd never like a cripple!"

Daniel lay on the ground, his tiny shoulders shaking. The rejection from his peers made the three-year-old experience shame for the first time.

Then, a pair of warm hands lifted him up.

Daniel froze. It was the first time his father had ever held him. The familiar scent of cologne enveloped him, making him reluctant to struggle.

"What's one plus one?" Andrew suddenly asked, his sharp gaze fixed on Timmy.

Timmy stammered, unable to answer, then pointed at Daniel angrily. "He doesn't know either!"

"Two," Daniel whispered.

The corner of Andrew's mouth lifted slightly. "Fifteen plus one hundred?"

"One hundred fifteen."

As the questions grew harder, Timmy's face turned red, while Daniel answered effortlessly. The other children gaped in surprise.

Nina suddenly ran over, offering her handkerchief. "Daniel, you're so smart!"

Timmy protested loudly. "I thought you hated cripples!"

Andrew held his son tighter. Looking down at Daniel's reddened eyes, something in his heart softened.