use the time to tackle her math assignment. However, the noise level was anythi

restore some semblance of quiet. This time, she even fo

o walked in to take over

of the prefects. Was Mr. Thompson still subjecting Mr. Bradley to this task as a result of what

pm. Grace, however, found herself alone as the sole senior serving detention, left in the company of Mr. Bradle

y to apologize once more. "I'm truly sorry for everything. I hope you

You need not concern yourself

when Mr. Bradley lifted his head, meeting her gaze for the first time, her words caught in her throat. If she had thought Mr. Bradley's eyes were mesmer

breathless. The young teacher

rry," she

our seat," he instructed, gesturi

er, leaving her feeling strangely destabilized. Why was she suddenly uncomfortable aroun

ace hastily departed, making her way to her locker to retrieve essential textbooks she planned to study. In her hurry, she

riskly exited the hall, a wave of rel

rogress. Upon turning, she discovered Jayden Alcott l

Jayden's features, though she responded with a nod and continued

flinched, pushing hi

fierce. "Are you going to snitch

rth would

rs about me..." He took a drag from his cigarette, exhalin

suppressed the urge to comment on his appearance, offering a smil

w wh

king habit. But

under his boot. "You've been warned now," he declared

igure blur in the distance. Then, with a resigned sigh, she resumed

•

he unsavory deeds he'd undertaken for money weighed heavily on him. The disgust he felt for his own actions was potent, but last night had been the pinnacle of it all. He had wanted to she

life and the universe, it now turned inward, settling in a pit of self-loathing. He despised

sed to be his legal guardian, absconded with much of the inheritance, leaving Bradley and his mother behind. His mother, ba

er's friend, Mr. Louis, and charitable organizations that rallied around their plight. He believed things were under control, until Mr. Louis's dem

either had to work relentlessly to provide for her, or witness her life slip away. Juggling

ure him a high-paying job. Bradley understood that aligning with Mr. Moore would demand a forfeiture of his morality and a surrender of

e limited unless he compromised his morals. Returning to Mr. Moore's dubious dealings, he abandoned his principles to ensure his mo

ort. Oxygen alone was a financial burden, and it was only the unsavory contract with Mr. Moore that provided the necessary funds for her care. The deal, howe

led him forward and irrevocably scarred him. He was both a go