Chapter 51

51
No one in the room was fooled by Tavion’s dramatic injury , it was clear his leg wasn’t actually broken .
Of course , that’s why Aria had been so quick to agree earlier .
Nathan realized this only too late , his face flushing red with embarrassment .
Micah released his grip , his voice calm but firm . “ Mr. Nathan , just watch . Please don’t interrupt Ms. Saxon . ”
Nathan wanted to argue , but words failed him . He stood there in silence , forced to watch as a spectator
Lavion glared at the scene , his anger bubbling over . “ Why should I have my leg amputated ! ”
Maelis , still basking in the excitement of the ten – million – dollar offer , didn’t share her son’s outrage . Her tone was much gentler , “ isn’t amputation a bit too extreme ? ”
Aria’s gaze sharpened as she met Maelis’s eyes , a cool smile curling at the corners of her lips . “ Didn’t you say the injury was severe ?” Her voice carried the faintest edge of a challenge .
Mais faltered , her words stuck in her throat .
Thorne , ever the businessman and accustomed to these situations , stepped in with an air of authority . “ Ms. Saxon , let’s both take a step back , We’ll settle
for six million instead .”
His eyes glinted with subtle calculation . “ You know as well as I do that your family’s business is closely intertwined with powerful circles . The last thing you want is any kind of scandal or negative press . It could damage everything you’ve worked for
Gone was the loud , aggressive tone from earlier . Thorne now spoke with a calm , measured voice , but there was an unmistakable threat lurking beneath his words
He was a man who knew exactly when to shift his tactics
He thought , “ This little girl is no ordinary person . I’m sure she has secured a place for herself in her family’s business ”
No one wanted to get associated with any negative points . As long as there was even the slightest potential risk , it was easy to lose support
Thorne , convinced he had struck the right note , let his chest puff out slightly . He was proud of his calculated approach , certain it would work in his favor
The room fell into a tense silence
Meanwhile , Valerie , who had been sipping water , swallowed slowly , still processing the shift from a simple dispute to a rull – blown negotiation
She exchanged a look with the dean , who remained utterly unbothered , seated in his office chair as though the world around him was nothing but a
distant noise .
It was clear that things weren’t going to be resolved quickly . Valerie sighed , stepping back.
As long as there was no physical confrontation , she figured they might as well let the adults talk it out
She glanced at Nathan , they had already missed a class , and no one know when this would all end .
Just then , the bell rang
Everyone knew about Nathan being called in , so the students made a beeling for the guidance office .
In the Maple Class , someone in the front row , near the wall , called out , “ Lily , Nathan got into a fight for your sake Aren’t you going to check on him ? ”
10:43 Wed , 28 May WGW •
51
Lily Cromwell paused , put down her pon , and muttered quietly , “ I’m going .”
One of the boys sounded displeased , “ If you’re going , why are you taking so long ? ”
Lily’s deskmate stood up , visibly irritated . “ We said we’re going . No need to be rude . ”
A girl behind them shot back , “ Don’t mess with Lily , Lily , let’s go
The boy scoffed . “ You all only care because she’s the top student in our grade. ”
Before anyone could say more , he ran off
The deskmate said angrily . “ Ostic often runs his mouth . Just ignore him . ”
“ Okay , ” Lily replied .
The group of girls walked out , only to find the hallway packed with students . The crowd only dispersed after a few teachers came out and scolded them .
Lily was the cause of the commotion , but the teachers didn’t stop her or anyone from Maple Class .
Several of Nathan’s friends pressed their ears against the door , including Osric Blaine
“ Mr. Vellier , should we contact some reporters to make this a bigger deal ? ” Aria replied calmly .
Thome’s expression stiffened . He hadn’t expected Aria to be so composed .