Chapter 122
No matter how upset he was, a father would back up his own kid, right? That’s just how it works.
So when Steven opened his mouth and said, “This is Charlotte’s fault. I apologize on her behalf,” Eleanor could only frown in disbelief. They didn’t even know what had really happened yet. How could he be so sure it was all his daughter’s doing? Andrew glanced at Charlotte, dropping his voice. “That’s your actual dad?”
A mocking smile flickered across Charlotte’s face, sharp and bitter.
Parrish caught on right away and shook his head. “If you ever get the chance,” he muttered, “might be time to swap him out for a better one.”
Henry Dean jumped on the moment, his chin high, acting like he was being generous. “Here’s the deal. She apologizes to my son, leaves Vanguard High, and that’s the end of it.”
These guys were no strangers to politics. Everyone in the room knew you didn’t mess with the Blair family. Someone had to take the blame today, and Charlotte was the easiest choice.
Henry’s words made Steven let out a breath, relieved. For someone like Charlotte, apologizing and transferring schools was nothing. But if she pissed off the Blairs or the Fords, then they’d really be in trouble.
After a tense pause, Steven stepped forward, his eyes cold as ice as he stared at Charlotte. “Charlotte, apologize to Dennis. Right now.”
Charlotte stared right back. “Apologize? For what? What did I even do?”
Her tone was tight, almost careless, but Steven was caught off guard. He realized he didn’t actually know what Charlotte had done. Still, Dennis was in the top class and used to hang out with Olivia. Anyone close to Olivia couldn’t be a bad person. But Charlotte. well, she was always causing problems. It wasn’t exactly a shock if she’d messed up again. He didn’t even have to think about it. It had to be her fault.
“If you didn’t do anything wrong, why would the school call me?” Steven steadied himself and glared, making the choice for her. “Apologize. Then pack your things. You’re expelled.”
He’d always thought she belonged in a place like Pathfinder Academy anyway.
Ronald jumped in, looking at Steven with approval. “Strict dads raise great kids. No wonder Olivia turned out.so well.” Then he turned to
Henry Dean. “Don’t worry Henry The school will handle this fairly, and
Dennis will get the justice he
deserves.”
In his mind, he was already celebrating. Finally, Charlotte was going to be out of their hair.
Parrish and Andrew both turned to look at Charlotte, their brows drawn tight. What was she thinking, staying so quiet? Was she really just going to let this happen, apologize, and walk away?
Eleanor couldn’t take it anymore. “Steven, we haven’t even figured out what really happened. Charlotte_”
“Ms. Adams.” Ronald’s voice cut through the room, sharp and cold. “Steven has already made his decision. He’s decided Charlotte’s at fault. I suggest you stay out of this.”
Eleanor’s face went pale, anger rising in her chest. She opened her mouth to argue, but right then, Charlotte finally spoke up.
“There are definitely people here who need to apologize. And someone’s going to have to leave.”
Charlotte’s lips tightened, her eyes cooband steady. “But it’s not going to be me
If not her, then who? Would Vanguard High really kick someone else out for her?