Troy interrupted smoothly. We were trying to calm her down, sir. Then she went crazy. Nia whipped around. You liar.
Alder cut in theatrical and grave. Principal Garrison. I witnessed the aftermath myself. The boys were injured, frightened. She was standing over them.
That's because they tried to drown me in a toilet. Nia snapped. Garrison's brows rose not with concern, but annoyance. Young lady, this is not the time for dramatic accusations. Nia's stomach twisted.
It's not drama. It's the truth. Troy let out a pained sigh. Perfectly timed. Sir, we didn't want to get her in trouble, but she heard us.
Look at Reed's wrist. Garrison nodded sympathetically at Troy too sympathetically. Your parents will not be pleased, I'm sure. Troy's lips curled into a half smile. A victory smile.
Nia saw it. Alder saw it. Garrison didn't or didn't care. This school, Garrison continued, is a place of order and reputation, and the Maddox family has been essential supporters of our athletic program for years. There it was, the real truth.
Money, influence, power. Nia felt something inside her crack. Not from fear, but from the weight of a system stacked against her. "I didn't attack anyone, " she said quietly. "Why won't you listen?
" Garrison leaned back, steepling his fingers because the evidence is clear. Four students injured, one student aggressive, one teacher corroborating their story. And you, his eyes swept her like she was a stain. Have already caused disruption since arriving here. Nia felt the world tilt.
You are suspended for violent behavior, Garrison declared coldly. Effective immediately. Troy exhaled as if relieved. Alder nodded in approval. Nia's shoulders sagged, not in defeat, she refused that, but in exhaustion from fighting a battle that was rigged before it began.
Her voice trembled with controlled fury. "You're punishing the wrong person, " Garrison dismissed her with a wave. "My decision is final. " Troy leaned forward, smirking at her. "My parents will make sure the board hears about this.
They won't let someone like you ruin this school. Someone like me? " Nia echoed. He smiled wider. You know what I mean?
Alder didn't flinch. Garrison didn't object. The silence confirmed it. She was alone. Nia lowered her gaze.
Not in submission, but because lifting it would reveal the fire in her eyes. Fire they didn't deserve to see yet. And then a sharp electronic beep cut through the room. Everyone turned to look at Garrison's laptop. A notification blinked on the screen.
New email. Automatic cloud backup Bryce Dalton. Attachment video 1 to22. West Wing bathroom incident. Troy's smirk evaporated.