Mrs. Lipmann tells Jane that Renata Klein believes Amabella has been the victim of secret, systematic bullying for the past month and that Ziggy is responsible. Amabella has bruises, grazes, and a bite mark, but Amabella will not identify the bully beyond saying someone has been mean to her.

Jane is shaken but asks what evidence exists. Mrs. Lipmann explains that Miss Barnes has watched Ziggy closely since the orientation-day accusation and describes Ziggy as delightful, kind, caring, and a joy to teach. Mrs. Lipmann emphasizes the school’s zero-tolerance policy but says that, if Ziggy is involved, the priority would be stopping the behavior and understanding why a five-year-old would do it.

Mrs. Lipmann asks whether Ziggy has any history or home circumstances that might be relevant, including the absence of Ziggy’s father. Jane privately thinks of Saxon Banks’s assault, his cruelty, and her fear that Ziggy could somehow carry a violent inheritance, but Jane says only that she cannot think of anything relevant and that Ziggy has male role models.

Jane asks whether Ziggy has been questioned, and Mrs. Lipmann says Ziggy denies the accusation emphatically, leaving the school unable to proceed without Amabella’s confirmation. Before the meeting can continue, Renata and Geoff Klein arrive early. Mrs. Lipmann is distressed by the overlap, but Renata pushes into the office, insisting they are all there about the same issue.

Renata confronts Jane directly, telling Jane to get Ziggy under control. Geoff introduces himself and apologizes for Renata’s distress, while Mrs. Lipmann tries to turn the encounter into a constructive discussion. Renata rejects any courtesy and demands that Jane’s son stay away from Amabella.