was level, devoid of triumph, which made the words land with even great

hrough the onlookers. They hadn

, her voice shrill. "It was just a joke! You're just a student, you have no right!" She r

going o

. The crowd parted like the Red Sea. A man in a perfectly tailored grey suit, with sharp,

is side, whispering a frantic

pal Caldwell! This student... she's trying to ruin my career! She's blackmailing

his gaze past Dawson, past Miller, and settled it on Alethea. There was no judgment

son, his voice turning to ice. "Ms. Dawson, did you or did

he stammered, unabl

aving no room for debate. "That includes honoring your word. You will apologize. Now

nce. The principal was siding,

..." Dawson whispered,

Green, as for the second part of the bet, perhaps we can consider it an internal disciplinary matter?" He was offering

nod. "The apology is enough." Her objective-to establis

ed to shuffle forward. She mumbled a barely audible, "I... I'm sorry,

er career in tatters, followed by the pitying an

e. He saw the principal's decisive, almost protective interv

. "Go to class. I have

red toward his office. "

ad cemented her status at Northwood Pr