I Owe the Tyrant Four Little Heirs novel Chapter 190

"Aurelia, need I remind you that Mr. Bragg is just Mommy's boss, not your dad," Keir said sharply.

"So what?" Aurelia replied, unfazed. "At least now I have someone to protect me. I won't be scared of the other kids anymore."

She then grabbed Phaedra's hand. Phaedra tried to pull away, but Aurelia held on tight.

"Sister," she said earnestly, "what's so bad about having Mr. Bragg on our side? It's not like I'm actually making him my dad."

Phaedra considered this and, seeing the logic in it, took Keir's hand.

Niamh looked at her youngest daughter with newfound respect. Everyone said Aurelia was the least clever of the four, but she was turning out to be quite shrewd, already understanding how to leverage her resources at such a young age.

Jareth was amused as well. “She's a practical one,” he thought. “I like that.”

And so, the six of them—Jareth holding Aurelia's hand, who held Phaedra's, who held Keir's, who held Jove's, who held Niamh's—walked toward the school entrance in a long, impressive line. The crowd of parents and children parted for them, their gazes filled with envy and awe.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so jealous."

"Their parents must have saved the galaxy in a past life to have such beautiful children."

"The dad is so handsome, even in a wheelchair. And he and the mom look so good together."

"They really do."

Niamh's mood soured as she listened to the whispers. “Are these people blind?” she thought. “How do we look good together?”

But Jareth was beaming, feeling more content and joyful than he had in years.

A storm of speculation erupted. Jareth's face turned black, his earlier joy evaporating into a cold fury.

Niamh felt even worse.

"Hmph!" Keir snorted, yanking his hand free from his siblings. Without a word, he charged at Haley.

Before Niamh could stop him, Keir's small fist connected with Haley's face.

"I'll teach you to talk trash!" he yelled, following up with a swift kick that sent Haley sprawling onto the ground with a yelp of pain.

Niamh rushed over and pulled Keir back. "Keir, what do you think you're doing?" she shouted.