Chapter 1182

Vera’s expression darkened. It was impossible Zoey hadn't noticed her veiled threat. Her tone hardened. “There’s no need to escalate this. I’m fine with an apology, but expulsion is extreme. It’s a petty altercation between children. Expelling someone over such a trivial matter will make people think Gracewood Women’s Academy is overreacting.

“Mrs. Prince, if you won’t consider your daughter, consider the academy’s reputation. If word gets out my daughter was expelled, it will damage the academy.”

Her earlier threat to Zoey had subtly shifted to threatening the academy.

Carissa’s smile was cold and dismissive. “Failing to expel Ms. Quinton for striking another student will damage the academy’s reputation. We invited you here to handle this with dignity, Mrs. Quinton. Those who need to apologize should do so, and the situation should be explained so both families avoid harboring grudges. But the expulsion is non-negotiable. If you’re unwilling to have your daughter leave voluntarily, I will ensure her removal.”

Vera dared not openly argue with Carissa. Instead, she turned to the other teachers. “You are role models. Surely, you can overlook a small mistake from a student?”

Rosalind’s response was unwavering. “I insist on her expulsion. It was only due to the intervention of Mrs. Ashford and Lady Carissa that Ms. Quinton was given the opportunity to leave with some dignity.”

Catherine waved her hand. “Just have her withdrawn. Further arguing will only upset everyone.”

Vera shot Rosalind a sharp glare. According to the students, Rosalind had initiated the expulsion; the others merely agreed. The Young family’s conflict with the Farrells was no secret; any attempt to conceal it was futile. Thomas, lacking the Young family’s former influence, had designs on the Quintons—a marriage proposal to Jocelyn, thwarted only by Victoria’s interference and Carissa's intervention.

Chapter 1189

Vera believed the Farrells’ initial refusal stemmed from Alice’s misunderstanding of political connections. However, Thomas couldn't be unaware of their importance. A military officer's rise to influential general required strong support from powerful officials. A strategic marriage was the most practical way to secure such ties.

With this in mind, Vera laughed derisively. “You may be young, but you certainly carry yourself with authority, Ms. Young. Do you truly believe you’re a respectable teacher? I suspect there’s some jealousy and scheming between the girls involved. Fine, my daughter will withdraw; no need for anyone to expel her.”

Since Carissa had made the expulsion final, voluntary withdrawal preserved some dignity.

Vera stood, pulling Jocelyn by the arm. “We’re leaving!”

Jocelyn stumbled, tears welling. “Mom, if I have to withdraw, then so should Courtney! Why should I be the only one?”

Vera shot a cold glance at Zoey. “This is a shoddy academy. We’ll find you a proper tutor.”

Zoey rose, blocking their way. “The expulsion is the academy’s decision. But after hitting my daughter and failing to apologize, do you think you can just leave without consequences? It’s not that simple.”

“Didn’t she already apologize? Why are you so stubborn?” Vera snapped.

Zoey’s gaze was firm. “You never apologized, and neither did she. You can’t brush this off as a small quarrel. My daughter was struck, and you think you can simply walk away without an apology?”

Zoey was determined to demand justice. If Courtney had been slapped without apology, what would that teach others? That they could act without consequence? This was a chance to teach Courtney a lesson. When right, one shouldn't back down.

Jocelyn sobbed, “I won’t apologize! She insulted me first!”

Vera wasn’t surprised by her daughter’s stubbornness. She tried a softer approach. “You’re really not going to let this go? You won’t even show respect to the Quinton family?”

“My daughter was struck. No amount of respect matters now. Besides, you don’t even speak for the Quinton family. If you want respect for the Quinton family, have the family head come here,” Zoey responded coldly.

Furious, Vera snapped, “Why must you make this so difficult? My daughter is leaving. What more do you want?”

“An apology!” Zoey demanded.