Chapter 45
“Fine!” Kate snapped, her voice dripping with malice. “Just you wait! A zero in this school means a call to the parents. I know you dread dealing with your family the most.”
Emma was taken aback by Kate’s audacity. The threat, over a mere concert ticket, unsettled her. She was keen to keep her relationship with Liam discreet a while longer.
Emma turned to leave when her phone buzzed. She answered cautiously, “Hello?”
“Emma, are you at school right now?” a man asked.
“Uncle Sean, is that you?” Emma recognized her third uncle’s voice, remembering his letter.
“I was supposed to attend an event at your school tonight, but I’ve canceled it to see you instead!” Sean exclaimed.
Emma, already stressed by Kate’s threat, replied, “That sounds great, Uncle Sean, but I’m in a bit of a situation here…”
After Emma ended the call, Kate’s curiosity overcame her. “Who was that on the phone?”
With a shrug, Emma retorted, “You were eager to involve my family, weren’t you? Well, one of them is already here. Let’s head to the administration office!”
“Your family?” Kate was confused. She always considered Emma’s father, Mateo, distant and uncaring, especially given the Wilson family’s financial difficulties. His presence would likely be more embarrassing than helpful.
“Fine, keep your ticket,” Kate sneered. “But remember, you defied your teacher and scored zero—don’t expect mercy if you’re expelled.”
Emma ignored Kate’s threats and walked confidently toward the administration office.
Inside, various Vark College staff members were gathered as Kate dramatically recounted Emma’s supposed misconduct and previous altercations with Ruby. The administration was deliberating how to proceed.
“School policy is clear,” the dean of students stated gravely. “A student scoring zero on a major assessment should be suspended for a month. However, Emma consistently demonstrates excellent academic performance. It’s puzzling why she received a zero solely in your art class.”
Kate remained confident. “This was my first time teaching them. I asked Emma to paint in class, but she didn’t even show up. And look at her written assignment—it’s clearly beyond her skill level. Our entire art department believes it’s likely plagiarized or ghostwritten!”
Accusations of academic dishonesty were serious, with potential repercussions for both the student’s integrity and the college’s reputation.
The dean adjusted his glasses. “Emma, can you respond to these allegations?”
Emma, lounging back with her usual defiance, replied, “I don’t need to explain myself. It’s simple—if Kate isn’t leaving, then I am.”
An uneasy silence fell. Kate, backed by the influential Hall family, was not to be trifled with. No one dared cross them, and technically, Kate hadn’t broken any school rules.
Seeing Emma’s silence, Kate smirked. “I didn’t come to Vark College on a whim. I’m not going anywhere—so maybe you should leave right now.”
Kate felt confident, especially knowing Emma wouldn’t likely call on Liam for help.
But then, a confident voice interrupted from the doorway. “Is that so?”
Heads turned. A man, imposing at nearly 6’3”, stood there, dressed in white sportswear accented with flashy silver jewelry. His presence was captivating. Even Emma, usually unfazed, was taken aback by the shift in the room’s atmosphere.
“Emma,” Sean said, strolling in, flanked by bodyguards and agents, his entrance grand and commanding.
“Uncle Sean,” Emma greeted softly.
Sean removed his sunglasses, revealing a strikingly handsome face. Emma, in her mid-length pleated skirt and white blouse, her hair in a high ponytail, possessed an air of cool elegance.
Sean’s eyes lit up with pride. “Well, there’s the Rivera family spirit, my little princess!”
Kate, caught off guard, stared. Her heart skipped a beat. “Isn’t this guy Starry?” she thought.
Despite her usual poise, Kate felt suddenly ordinary in his presence.
Sean’s gaze shifted to Kate. “And who might you be?”
“She’s the art teacher I told you about,” Emma explained, having briefed Sean earlier.
Sean’s warm demeanor vanished. “So, you’re the ugly woman who unfairly targeted Emma and marked her zero?”
Kate’s face flushed crimson. Sean’s comment made the other teachers clear their throats in embarrassment. “Mr. Rivera, we weren’t aware of your connection to Emma. We assure you there was no intention to mistreat her. We just believe the situation needs open discussion.”
Sean’s influence was well-known. His ties to the powerful Rivera family made him a formidable figure. The room grew tense as the staff realized the gravity of challenging him.
With a sneer, Sean replied, “Don’t play coy with me. I know exactly who put this ugly woman up to this.” His gaze sharpened. “Go tell Brad he’s nothing but Liam’s lapdog. If he messes with Emma again, he’ll regret it.”
Kate clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. “I was only doing my job. Emma hasn’t been focusing on her studies. Is it wrong to expect a student to do her best?”