was level, devoid of triumph, which made the words land with even great
hrough the onlookers. They hadn
, her voice shrill. "It was just a joke! You're just a student, you have no right!" She r
going o
. The crowd parted like the Red Sea. A man in a perfectly tailored grey suit, with sharp,
is side, whispering a frantic
pal Caldwell! This student... she's trying to ruin my career! She's blackmailing
his gaze past Dawson, past Miller, and settled it on Alethea. There was no judgment
son, his voice turning to ice. "Ms. Dawson, did you or did
he stammered, unabl
aving no room for debate. "That includes honoring your word. You will apologize. Now
nce. The principal was siding,
..." Dawson whispered,
Green, as for the second part of the bet, perhaps we can consider it an internal disciplinary matter?" He was offering
nod. "The apology is enough." Her objective-to establis
ed to shuffle forward. She mumbled a barely audible, "I... I'm sorry,
er career in tatters, followed by the pitying an
e. He saw the principal's decisive, almost protective interv
. "Go to class. I have
red toward his office. "
ad cemented her status at Northwood Pr
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