# The Middle Finger
Mr. Pendleton nearly dropped the teapot when Daniel walked out of his room, already dressed for school. The butler blinked in utter shock. Just yesterday, the boy had sworn to his mother that he would only go to school for a single day—yet here he was, practically vibrating with excitement to head back.
“Daniel…” He muttered under his breath.
“What's wrong? I'm going now. I'm going to be late.”
“Breakfast, have you forgotten?”
“No, Mr. Pendleton. I'll eat at school. Gotta go.”
Daniel vanished out the door before the butler could even process it. A second later, Olivia stumbled into the living room, still half-asleep.
“Wake him up,” she grumbled, flopping onto the couch. “I’ll force him out if I have to. He just needs a good beating.”
Mr. Pendleton handed her
