Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 92

Meanwhile, Leo called Tessa Thorne.

He didn't know what was wrong with his mom, why his dad had her phone, or why he wouldn't let them speak.

But he absolutely refused to go back to the manor.

Unfortunately, Tessa was in the middle of a surgery and didn't pick up.

Thinking fast, Leo dialed Jude Montgomery.

Jude answered almost immediately, his bright, laughing voice coming through the speaker. "Hey, son."

Hearing Jude's voice gave Leo an inexplicable sense of security. The tense line of his mouth softened into a small smile. "Cool Dad, can you come pick me up from kindergarten?"

Fiercely loyal, Jude agreed without hesitation. "You got it."

Only after promising did Jude ask the important questions. Was something wrong at school? Why hadn't he called Summer? Did his mom know about this?

Leo answered every question honestly.

Jude arrived in record time.

Seeing Jude trying to leave with Leo, Paige attempted to block them. But since Leo explicitly stated he didn't know her, the school's security guards physically restrained Paige.

Surrounded by burly guards, Paige couldn't move an inch.

Knowing the school had Xavier's emergency contact info on file, she had no choice but to call him.

The school also contacted Xavier directly. Unwilling to risk a liability lawsuit, they refused to let Jude leave and escorted everyone to the principal's office.

After dropping Summer off, Xavier rushed straight to the kindergarten.

The principal hurried forward to greet him. "Mr. Sterling."

Xavier offered a curt nod, his eyes locking onto Leo.

Leo was sitting obediently beside Jude. Frowning, Xavier commanded, "Leo, come here."

Jude frowned. He wanted to protect Leo, but he had zero legal standing. He was only Leo's self-proclaimed godfather.

Was he really supposed to just stand there and watch Xavier drag the boy away?

Damn it, what could he do?

Xavier stepped forward and grabbed Leo's arm.

Leo forcefully shook off his grip, clinging desperately to Jude. "I want my mom! I'm not going to the manor! Carlson is going to abuse me!"

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Xavier reprimanded harshly.

Leo stared back with stubborn defiance. "It's not nonsense! Mom even called the cops! I still have the scars to prove it."

Without hesitation, Leo yanked off his uniform shirt. His small back was covered in a crisscross of old and new welts—purplish bruises and scabs that had barely begun to heal.

"Carlson did this with a whip. If I go back there, they'll beat me to death. I want my mom!"