Ivy walked over and knelt in front of the boy.
Clara instinctively tightened her hold on Nate.
"There's nothing for Nate to say," Clara replied quickly. "This is Leo's fault. Just admit it and move on."
For some reason, Clara felt uneasy under Ivy's calm gaze.
Even Nate swallowed nervously when Ivy gently took his hand and looked him in the eyes.
"Nate," she said softly but firmly, "this is your last chance to tell the truth."
The boy's body stiffened.
"I was lenient the last time when you bullied Leo. But if you lie now, I won't be so forgiving."
Gavin stared at her in disbelief.
"Did everyone hear that?" he exclaimed. "She's threatening him now!"
He turned toward Edward.
"Grandpa, look at what this woman is doing. How can you allow someone like her into our lives? She's setting a terrible example for Leo."
The room fell silent once again as everyone's attention shifted to Nate, whose face had gone pale under Ivy's unwavering gaze.
