Chapter 72
The secretary hurried over, clutching a folder to her chest.
“These are Daphne’s academic records.”
The headmaster took the file from her without so much as a glance, then tossed it carelessly to the floor. He clasped his hands behind his back, his expression cold and unfeeling.
Sending this girl away from Charteris Academy was Gemma’s decision as well.
Last night, Gemma had called him personally.
Since Daphne had taken Selene’s last name, the old woman no longer wanted to spend the Vaughn family’s money raising someone else’s child.
She was desperate to get Daphne out of the academy, afraid her precious grandson might be led astray by Daphne’s influence.
Selene knelt down and picked up her daughter’s file.
Seeing her mother bend down, Daph’s tears spilled over in fat, silent drops.
Selene brushed the dust from the folder and turned to her daughter with a gentle, unwavering smile.
“Daph, don’t be afraid. You’re not defined by what’s written in this file anymore. The girl whose record is lying on the ground is Daphne. But the one standing tall right now is Dafina.”
Selene rose and extended her hand. “Your life isn’t over just because you’re leaving this school. I’m right here with you, and I promise, I’ll help you find a better future.”
The other parents watching nearby stepped aside, creating a clear path for Selene and Daph.
The school gates were blocked by staff and security, leaving only one way open for them: the road away from Charteris Academy.
Daph’s tears had stopped, though streaks still marked her young, earnest face.
She gripped Selene’s warm, soft hand, feeling the steady pulse of her mother’s strength.
As long as her mother was by her side, her heart stayed calm.
She’d left plenty of places with Selene before–walked out of birthday parties meant
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only for the Dames family, left behind the suffocating Vaughn estate, and escaped the leeching grasp of the Thompson clan.
Back then, the world had seemed even darker than it did today, but Selene had always held her hand and led her through the shadows. With her mother’s footsteps to follow, Daph had always felt safe and hopeful.
She knew Selene would guide her toward the light.
Suddenly, a petite girl in a cream–colored T–shirt and jeans rushed out of the crowd.
She brushed past Selene and Daph, her eyes blazing with anger and resolve.
“You’re despicable! You don’t deserve to be the headmaster of Charteris Academy!”
She shouted at the headmaster, voice ringing out over the crowd.
He looked her up and down, noting the lack of designer labels, and sneered, “Which grade and class is your child in?”
He couldn’t believe some parent would dare speak up for Selene.
“I’m not married, and I don’t have kids. But I’d never send my child to a place like Charteris Academy.”
The headmaster chuckled derisively. “Do you even know what our tuition costs per year?”
The girl flashed the press badge hanging from her neck. “I’m a reporter with NBN News. My colleague recorded everything that happened between that girl and the boy earlier. She didn’t lay a hand on anyone. You expelled a student without even investigating–you’re not fit to run a school!”
The headmaster’s eyes bulged with disbelief.
“What? You’re with the National Broadcast Network?”
He snatched her press badge, inspecting it over and over.
“I haven’t received any notice about NBN News coming to our academy. You must be an imposter.”
Just then, several black SUVS pulled up across the street. A crowd of people poured out, rushing toward Selene.
“Miss Thompson! Thank goodness, I finally found you! I’m with the Capital University Press,” one man called out, only to be jostled aside by another.
“I’m a reporter from the Metropolitan Times, Miss Thompson! Would you be willing
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Chapter 72
to give us an exclusive interview?”
The petite reporter whipped around, seeing Selene now surrounded by journalists. She shouted, exasperated,
“Hey! National Broadcast Network was here first! We’ve already scheduled an interview with Ms. Thompson!”
Chapter 73
