"Mrs. Portis, I truly apologize. My children struck your son and hurt him, and for that I offer my most sincere apology. I'm very sorry." Claire bowed deeply as she spoke.
"Hmph." Mrs. Portis grew even more arrogant at the sight. "As expected, children raised by common riffraff have no manners, always resorting to violence. Let me tell you, perhaps others might tolerate their child being hit, but mine? Never. Today I'm going straight to the principal. Trash like yours doesn't belong here. One rotten apple is not going to spoil the whole barrel."
Claire's face flushed red with anger.
"Madam, watch your words. I have come here in sincerity to apologize, yet you stoop to insulting my character. That is unacceptable." Her voice was sharp and resolute.
"Ha! Your children beat my son to this state, and you still expect me to speak politely to you? As if! You're lucky I haven't hit you back already." Spittle flew as the woman screamed, then she turned on Ms. Baker:
