Chapter 24
The old woman let out a bitter laugh at her granddaughter’s naivety. “Once you follow your mother, you’ll be lucky if you can even pay your tuition!“.
She knew Daph had no way of imagining what was waiting for her.
When the old woman looked at Selene, her eyes were filled with nothing but
resentment and spite.
“I’d like to see what you, with just a bachelor’s degree, can possibly make of Daph! Daph has no idea her life has already hit rock bottom. There’s a chasm now between her and Damien–one she’ll never be able to cross, no matter how hard she tries! No matter what you do, Daph will never reach Damien’s world.”
Selene’s tone was calm and unwavering. “Both my children came from the same womb. Whatever Damien has, Daph deserves the same. If the Vaughn family can’t treat them equally, then I’ll take Daph and, on her own terms, help her grow into her
own person.”
Selene took Daph’s hand, ready to leave, when several people carrying briefcases entered the auditorium.
At their head was a middle–aged man in a plain white shirt and black slacks. Selene’s eyes narrowed in recognition–what a time to run into an old acquaintance.
The principal’s voice trembled with surprise. “D–Director?”
Everyone turned to look toward the doors of the auditorium.
“That’s Director White from the Board of Education.”
“The event’s already over. What’s Director White doing here now?”
The principal and other board members rushed forward to greet him.
“Welcome to our school, Director White!” The principal beamed, certain that the “Junior Environmental Ambassador” campaign had been a huge
success–especially after it made the rounds on the local news. Even the director had cut his business trip short to show up.
The principal was just about to escort Director White to the stage when the director’s cold voice cut through the air.
“I tried calling you. Since you didn’t answer, I had to come in person.”
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22:27
A cold sweat broke out across the principal’s back. “I’m terribly sorry, my phone ran out of battery…”
But Director White wasn’t interested in excuses. “There’s a huge scandal blowing up online. What exactly are you planning to do about it?”
The principal tried to brush it off. “Oh, it’s really nothing, just a misunderstanding. The parents have already settled things among themselves–there’s no conflict! But don’t worry, sir, I will make sure nothing like this happens again.”
Director White’s expression darkened. Standing in front of the principal, his gaze flickered to Selene.
“Jason, if you want to prevent board members from targeting students and parents, you need to take concrete action. Charteris Academy is one of Capital City’s flagship schools–it’s the face of our city. Do you know what people are saying online? That the school board at Charteris Academy discriminates against girls and threatens parents…”
Spotting the director, Gemma seized Damien’s hand and hurried to the front.
“Director White, this is my grandson, Damien. He’s been honored by the school every year since he enrolled–he’s the best student at Charteris Academy!”
Even though Damien hadn’t won the coveted gold star this time, Gemma still
wanted to show him off to the director.
“Ms. Yates, I think it’s time you resigned from the school board,” Director White said bluntly.
The smile froze on Gemma’s face.
“Excuse me?” She was sure she’d misheard.
“You’re trending online right now. Haven’t you seen it?” Director White’s voice was icy. “Or would you rather have the Board of Education officially remove you?”
Gemma’s face went from flushed to ashen in an instant.
She quickly lowered her stance. “Director White, I–I lost my temper just now. I’ll apologize to the student and her mother right away!”
She shot a glance at Seléne. The idea of apologizing to her was humiliating, but with video of her berating Daph all over the internet and the Board of Education now involved, she had no choice but to bow her head.
“I don’t think an apology will cut it,” Director White said, his voice colder than ever. “You don’t even realize what you did wrong. You just know your time is up.”
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