Chapter 5 Hearing Her Name

The reality of her mistake hit Tatiana hard, and she lost all composure as she dropped to her knees. "Mr. Phillips, I honestly had no idea who you were. I acted without thinking, and I regret it. Please forgive me for my stupidity."

Dominic barely spared her a glance. He turned his attention to the principal, his words coming out cold and firm. "You know what needs to be done. Take care of it."

There was no waiting for replies. He simply turned and walked out, motioning for Khloe to follow.

Wasting no time, Khloe pulled Kaitlin along. "Dominic, I really need to get back before the next bell rings. Ms. Watson stuck her neck out for me and even got slapped. Can you make sure she gets to the hospital?"

Dominic stopped and studied Kaitlin's bruised cheek for a moment. "Sure."

Khloe seemed relieved and hurried back to her class.

Sitting in the back seat of the Maybach, Kaitlin fidgeted before she finally spoke up. "Mr. Phillips, I can just call a cab. You really don't have to go out of your way for me."

Dominic kept his eyes on the road. "I said I would help, and I meant it."

After a pause, Kaitlin let out a quiet sigh and gave in. "Thank you, then. I appreciate it."

He glanced in the rearview mirror. "Ms. Watson, you put yourself at risk to protect Khloe. If you ever need anything, just ask." Dominic understood that people always had their own reasons for what they did.

Sometimes, even families had their own hidden motives.

Kaitlin had gone out of her way to help his sister, and Dominic figured that as long as she wasn't asking for anything outlandish, he would try to return the favor.

But Kaitlin shook her head, looking a bit annoyed. "I'm Khloe's teacher. Looking out for her is my responsibility. Honestly, I'd do the same for any kid in my class."

For a split second, Dominic's grip on the wheel tightened, but he quickly hid his reaction. He sounded almost impressed when he replied, "Ms. Watson, with your kind of dedication, you really ought to be teaching somewhere better than this place."

She kept her gaze steady. "I became a teacher to help kids grow and learn, no matter what kind of trouble comes our way." There was something gentle but unshakeable in her tone.

Now it made sense to Dominic. No wonder Khloe always talked about her, wishing he'd marry her.

A small, unexpected smile crossed his face, and he felt something unfamiliar stir inside. "Khloe's lucky to have you looking out for her, Ms. Watson."

Before long, they pulled up in front of the hospital.

Kaitlin thanked him, then went inside to get herself checked in.

Dominic decided to wait in the hallway, leaning against the wall.

A few minutes later, the doctor glanced at the clipboard and called out, "Kaitlin Watson?"

With all the noise in the office, Kaitlin missed it the first time.

So the doctor tried again, louder this time. "Kaitlin Watson!"

Dominic's entire body tensed when he heard that.