Chapter 1155: Targeted
The situation had become quite lively. The three most beautiful female teachers of Sunset Valley High School appeared at the office building at the same time, inevitably attracting attention. Vanessa took the opportunity to vividly recount Quentin's actions, stirring up the teachers' strong sense of justice. They rallied around Audrey and the others, marching towards the principal's office, determined to rid the school of this troublemaker, inadvertently sidelining Kevin.
Oliver was in his office discussing matters with a vice principal when he heard the commotion in the hallway. Frowning, he stood up and called out, "What's happening outside?"
Before he could fully speak, the three tall and alluring female teachers entered. One exuded cool elegance, another had a captivating charm, and the third was a delicate beauty—Audrey, Vanessa, and Kimberly.
"Mrs. Johnson, what's going on?" Startled by Audrey's sudden appearance in his office, Oliver glanced at the curious teachers behind her, realizing something significant had occurred. He spoke in a grave tone, "Is there an issue?"
Audrey rarely took the initiative to visit Oliver's office, and this was the first time this semester. But for Kevin's sake, she pushed past her reservations. Taking a deep breath, Audrey looked at Oliver and said, "Mr. Johnson, I'm here to address the problems that arose during this essay contest."
"Ah, the essay contest?" Oliver relaxed upon hearing this. As long as it didn't involve serious matters like safety or project quality, he wasn't worried. "The competition is over. If there are any issues, you can discuss with Mr. Carter. You don't need to come to me for every little thing. Please return for now."
This was typical of Audrey. If it were any other teacher barging in like this, Oliver wouldn't have been so polite. With so many teachers approaching him with their problems, how could he manage them all? But when it was just Audrey, he welcomed her warmly.
Audrey hesitated, realizing she had been somewhat impulsive. She wasn't accustomed to direct dealings with school leaders like Oliver, and his words made her second-guess her approach.
Vanessa, on the other hand, spoke up, "Mrs. Johnson, we're not here to trouble you. It's just that Mr. Carter hasn't been able to resolve this issue. If you don't intervene, Sunset Valley High School's reputation will suffer. We might even fall behind even Fourth High."
Fourth High was a vocational school with far inferior conditions compared to First High and Sunset Valley High School. Most students there were simply seeking a high school diploma through less academic routes.
"Oh?" Oliver's brow furrowed. "What is the matter exactly?"
Audrey then explained the situation in detail, causing a stir among the surrounding teachers.
While the issue appeared to be a simple case of plagiarism, Oliver was aware that the people involved were not ordinary. Firstly, there was Quentin, an experienced teacher with influential ties—his uncle was Deputy Director of Education, Owen. Second was Kevin, a regular student. However, Audrey's daughter Laura had a good relationship with him, and Daisy, Audrey's wife, held Kevin in high regard, often inviting him over. Lastly, there was Audrey herself. Oliver wasn't sure about her connection with the City Education Bureau Director, Angus, but her accolades as an outstanding city-level teacher hinted at some influential backing. Audrey had always been low-key at school, making her sudden appearance in his office on Kevin's behalf all the more significant. Moreover, Oliver was also interested in winning Audrey's affection and didn't want to leave an impression of shielding Quentin.
Lastly, there was Ivan. Dealing with Quentin would also entail addressing Ivan. Owen was just a deputy director and nearing retirement, so offending him wouldn't be as significant. However, Devon was the Finance Bureau Director and a confidant of County Mayor Armando. Offending the 'cash godfather' could jeopardize Oliver's position as principal.
Perhaps Quentin's audacity stemmed from this realization. Oliver felt a tinge of regret for not dismissing Quentin earlier when trouble arose. Quentin had now caused a significant issue. Despite the pressure, Oliver, a seasoned administrator, couldn't afford not to make a stance. With a serious expression, he said, "Alright, if this is true, the school won't ignore it. Please return, Mrs. Johnson. I will discuss with other school leaders and provide a satisfactory resolution promptly. We won't let any wrongdoer escape punishment or wrong any innocent party. Surely, Mrs. Johnson, you trust me enough."
Audrey was stunned by Oliver's response. She didn't expect immediate action against Quentin, as she only hoped for a fair outcome for Kevin. She couldn't allow others to claim Kevin's hard work without consequences and wanted justice for her and Kevin's efforts.
"I trust you, Mrs. Johnson. I will await the school's decision," Audrey uttered each word deliberately, then turned to walk out.
Kimberly hesitated for a moment, then added, "Mrs. Johnson, I have always respected you. Your dedication is integral to Sunset Valley High School's success today. I only hope that the selfish actions of a few won't ruin the current favorable situation and impede the work of us young teachers."
Oliver's expression shifted slightly. Kimberly's voice was soft and gentle, yet every word hit him deeply, resonating with his innermost thoughts.
As the teachers began to leave one by one, Oliver leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and displayed a hint of weariness on his face. As a principal, he theoretically controlled the destinies of hundreds and even shaped the futures of thousands of students to some extent. Yet, in reality, he too was a pawn in a much larger game.
His fingers tapped slowly on the table as his mind raced through various faces, their relationships, pros and cons, solutions emerging and being dismissed rapidly. Balancing between quelling unrest without offending the wrong people was an arduous task.
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