Chapter 59

“Charlotte, seriously, don’t push it,” Bald Lee nearly spat, grinding his teeth so hard it looked painful.
Charlotte’s smile was icy. “Mr. Lee, you’re supposed to be a great teacher. Can’t you even manage a real apology?”
A ripple of laughter broke out around them. He deserved it, honestly. That’s what he got for looking down on people. Running into Charlotte was just his bad luck.
Bald Lee’s anger was almost visible, simmering up from his feet to his forehead. He shot a glare at Andrew’s phone, clenched his fists tight, and forced out the words. “Charlotte, I was wrong to blame you today. I sincerely apologize.”
Charlotte’s lips curled into a cold smile. She didn’t say a word.
Eleanor stepped forward, sensing the drama had gone on long enough. “Charlotte, Mr. Lee already apologized. Let’s just move on.”
Charlotte shrugged. “Sure. Ms. Adams is pretty. If she says to forgive you, I’ll let it go.”
Eleanor’s cheeks turned a soft pink.
Bald Lee looked like he might explode, his face pale with rage. He shot Charlotte a death glare. “You got lucky this time. But remember, I’ll make sure you’re kicked out of Vanguard High sooner or later.”
Then he turned his icy stare on Eleanor. “And Ms. Adams, you’ll regret your choice today.”
Eleanor pressed her lips together. “I just did what a teacher should do.”
“Great. I can’t wait to see how this troublemaker drags down your class average and tanks the school’s graduation rate.”
With that, Bald Lee stormed off, students all around watching him go with open amusement.
Shirley watched him leave and shivered. She leaned close to Charlotte. “You should be careful around Mr. Lee from now on.”
Charlotte nodded. “I will. Class is starting soon, you should get back.”
“If he gives you trouble, promise you’ll tell me.”
Shirley looked worried. “What are you even going to do?”
Charlotte’s lips twitched like she was trying not to laugh. She put on her best well-
behaved student face. “I’ll reason with him, obviously.”
Shirley eyed her, not convinced for a second.
Word about Charlotte’s win over Bald Lee spread through Vanguard High like wildfire. In class, people started treating her like some kind of hero. They chatted with her more even reminded her there wasan exam that afternoon.
Charlotte hadn’t gotten her nap, and her medicine was running low. All afternoon,
her head felt heavy and foggy.
It wasn’t until the bell rang that she finally came back to herself.
“Pens down. Time’s up.”
As her test paper was collected, Charlotte pressed her lips together and sturaped over her desk, eyes
closed, lashes long and thyes
like
butterfly wings.
stoppi Andrew couldn’t
Across the
her coolly striding by
earlier, snake in hand. His eyes sparkled with new admiration.
Charlotte felt someone staring. She glanced up suddenly, right into Andrew’s eyes.
He blinked, then grinned. “I have to admit, you’re kind of awesome.”
Charlotte stood, nodded with her usual calm. “Thanks for helping earlier.”
Andrew hadn’t expected that. He blushed. “I
But before he could finish, she’d already grabbed her bag and walked out without looking back.
Parrish watched her go, shaking his head. “Charlotte surprises me every single time.”
…
That evening, Charlotte walked in the front door and was immediately met with Steven’s furious face.
She spotted Olivia nearby and instantly understood why.
“I heard you made a scene at school today and embarrassed Mr. Lee in front of everyone.”