Chapter 152 You Nailed It This Time
"Here's to you, Principal Jones," Audrey said, raising her glass to Oliver but avoiding eye contact. Ever since that night in his office, she'd been wrestling with how to turn him down. She hadn't figured out a smooth way to do it yet, so she'd been dodging him, hoping to buy some time. Would Oliver wait?
"Teacher Johnson has been killing it this semester, as you all can see," Oliver said, finishing his drink and giving Audrey a smile. "Mr. Carter's been singing your praises to me. The future of our school depends on young teachers like you. Keep up the good work, everyone. I, Oliver Jones, promise you this: if you boost those grades, you won't have to worry about a thing. Money, houses, cars—they'll all come in time."
Oliver's confident words fired everyone up. Being a principal was a breeze if you could juggle relationships, resources, and morale. But how many people have the same swagger and smarts as Oliver?
After Oliver left, the room buzzed with excitement. Audrey, having downed a strong drink, blushed and coughed lightly, clearly not handling the alcohol well. Ethan noticed and gently poured her a drink, saying, "Teacher Johnson, have some juice to take the edge off. Or should I grab you some yogurt?"
"No need, I'm fine," Audrey shook her head, turning down Ethan's offer. She got up and headed to the restroom. As she came out, she saw Oliver hunched over a sink, vomiting. After a moment, he struggled to stand, his face flushed, eyes closed, breathing heavily, his messy hair making him look pretty miserable.
Audrey thought about pretending she hadn't seen him, but she felt a pang of sympathy. Hesitating, she walked over and handed him a tissue. "Principal Jones, you okay?"
Oliver opened his eyes, surprised to see Audrey. He waved her off, saying, "I'm fine. Just drank too fast. I'll be okay in a bit. You should go back. Don't worry about me."
As Audrey turned to leave, she paused, biting her lip. "Principal Jones, is it true about Mr. Carter? Why replace him?" Ever since Vanessa told her about David's impending dismissal, Audrey had been puzzled and wanted to ask Oliver directly. Now, alone with him, she couldn't hold back.
"Audrey, you must think I'm a terrible person," Oliver said with a bitter smile. "An evil principal, seducing female teachers, unable to control my desires, betraying my wife and kids. You must hate me."
Oliver's candid admission caught Audrey off guard. Her face reddened, and after a moment, she shook her head slowly. Despite Oliver's inappropriate intentions, he had never used his power to coerce her. Instead, he had protected her. Even the time he asked her to help him out, it had been her choice. If he were truly ruthless, she would have been forced out long ago.
"You think I'm foolish for replacing David, that I'm doing it for personal gain," Oliver continued, his tone more agitated. "But do you know how hard it is to be a principal? Hundreds of staff depend on me. I'm not superhuman. What can I do? I have to go to the education bureau, but it's not like they owe us anything. Why should they favor us? What can I do?"
He pointed to a nearby room. "Do you know who I'm drinking with? Education bureau officials. I have to keep them happy to secure more resources. You all want raises, promotions, training, housing—all of that requires money. I have to fight for it. Offering a department head position satisfies them, allowing me to do more. Do you understand? You don't. You think I'm a bad man."
Audrey was stunned by Oliver's sudden outburst and the insider information he shared. She realized being a principal was indeed challenging. The former principal was known for indulging in excesses and engaging in dalliances with women, while the teachers could only seethe in silence. Oliver, at least, seemed genuinely interested in improving the school. Feeling ashamed, she said, "Principal Jones, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have questioned you like that."
But she was still conflicted. Oliver's actions for the greater good didn't justify sacrificing David Carter, who hadn't done anything wrong.
"Don't worry, Audrey. I'll make sure Mr. Carter is taken care of," Oliver said, suddenly gripping her hand with emotion. "I know I shouldn't, but I truly like you. Please, Audrey, spend some time with me. We don't have to do anything. Just your company is enough."
In essence, Oliver's current inclination towards Audrey is more about emotional fulfillment, with relatively diminished carnal desires. If he were simply aiming to satiate his physiological urges, he could readily accept Vanessa's offerings. What he truly craves is Audrey's affection; only through that does he feel he genuinely possesses the woman, rather than merely attaining her physical form.
"Principal Jones, I'm sorry, but I can't," Audrey said, almost swayed for a moment but quickly regained her resolve. She firmly withdrew her hand and stepped back, apologizing, "Thank you for your regard, but I don't want to betray my husband. Rest assured, I'll keep this to myself and continue to do my job well. Goodbye."
She hurried away, fearing she might change her mind if she stayed. Oliver's words had deeply shaken her, making her realize she had underestimated him.
Oliver shook his head in resignation. He watched her leave, feeling a sense of loss. Audrey had refused him, as he had expected. If she were the type to compromise her principles easily, he wouldn't have valued her so much. A woman's beauty and allure could captivate, but it was her unyielding spirit that truly earned a man's respect. This was what made Audrey truly unique.
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