Chapter 132

Charlotte was the one who reported Dennis for bullying Shirley?
“Nonsense.”
Steven’s voice rose in disbelief, his irritation clear. “You’ve barely been at Vanguard High for what, a few weeks? What do you really know about the students and their issues?” He shot Charlotte a glare. “And now you’re saying Shirley has been bullied for three years? Did you see it yourself or just hear some rumors?”
She had just survived the mess with the Blair family, and now she was already getting involved with the Deans. Sure, Henry Dean’s attitude toward her had changed lately, but who knew if he’d cause trouble for the Main family down the line. Why did she always have to meddle? Why did other people’s problems matter so much to her?
Shirley bit her lip, silent. She knew the bullying was real, but it wasn’t like anyone could easily find proof. Charlotte had just transferred here. There was no way she could have found anything.
Steven forced a smile and tried to smooth things over. “Sorry, everyone. Charlotte was sick a few years back, and sometimes she’s a little… well, you know
Before he could finish, someone from the education bureau cut in. “Actually, she’s right. It was Charlotte.”
Steven’s eyes widened. “What?”
The official looked straight at Charlotte. “We received an email with photos, videos, and audio files. I have to ask, how did you get the full surveillance footage? Did you study computer science?”
The school’s security cameras only kept footage for half a year at most. Yet somehow, Charlotte had managed to dig up recordings from the past three years. She had even clipped out every moment between Shirley and Dennis, editing it all together into a neat little video.
Charlotte’s lips curled into a small smile. “I picked up a thing or two,” she said softly.
The official stared at her, almost offended. He had a PhD in computer science and information technology. Even for someone like him, this kind of deep dive into old surveillance was nearly impossible. And here Charlotte was, brushing it off like it was nothing. There was only one word for her: genius.
He turned to Steven. “Mr. Baker, this girl is amazing. You’ve got to support her. It’s not easy raising a kid so talented and principled, is it? Maybe you could teach me how you did it.”
Steven let out a nervous laugh, still
staring at Charlotte like he was
seeing her for the first time.
Lamplighter Village’s tiny, rundown schoobdidn’t even have
classes. When had Charlotte dearned any of this? At least now she had a real skill to show off, something that might keep the Main family from losing face completely. He shot Charlotte a look, warning her to watch her words, then left the room.
Once Steven was gone, the office was almost empty. Only the people directly involved were left, and Anthony sat quietly at one end, his presence commanding the space. He looked completely calm, but his expression was cold, his long fingers laced together and resting on his knees. He fixed his dark gaze on Henry and Dennis, a chill in his eyes that seemed to suck the warmth from the room. He was like a living iceberg, and nobody dared to ask him to leave.
After a long, heavy silence, Anthony finally looked over at Charlotte and Shirley. His voice was low and smooth, carrying across the room. “Shirley’s parents aren’t here right now. If it’s okay with you, I can step in as her… uncle for the time being.”