“Oliver had a bit of a scuffle at school today,” Grace began, her voice steady and reassuring. “He got into a disagreement with another boy. It escalated, and… well, that’s how he got the bruise.”

Richard’s chest tightened further, his protective instincts flaring like a warning siren. “Why didn’t anyone call me? I should have been there.”

Grace nodded empathetically. “The school tried reaching you, but they couldn’t get through. I was there to pick Oliver up, and I decided it was best to handle it until we could speak.”