Chapter 7

I clenched my fists silently, my resolve hardening to expose his true, ugly nature.

Just wait and see.

Leaving the dance studio, I headed straight for the top floor to find the principal’s office. This was the administrative area, a place I’d never set foot in during all my years at school. It was my first time venturing up here.

Walking down the corridor, I finally spotted the sign for the principal’s office.

The silence was unnerving. The only sound was my own footsteps. Summoning my courage, I knocked on the door. No response.

I waited for what felt like an eternity, but still, nothing. Just as I raised my hand to knock again, a door behind me suddenly creaked open.

Startled like a rabbit, I spun around.

The door labeled "Vice Principal’s Office" had swung open without warning.

"Come in."

Glancing back at the still-locked principal’s office, I swallowed hard and stepped inside.

Vice Principal Vincent Lowell was an enigmatic figure, someone we students rarely interacted with.

"Principal Richard is away on business. What do you need?"

The man looked to be in his forties or fifties, his expression stern and unreadable. A thick beard added a touch of severity to his already imposing presence.

All the words I’d prepared suddenly lodged in my throat.

When I didn’t speak, he didn’t even bother looking at me. His tone carried a hint of impatience. "Well?"

"Vice Principal Lowell, I want to report something."

At that, his eyes finally flicked to me—cold, dismissive, and probing.

"Report what?"

Gathering my courage, I laid out everything that had happened the day before.

"So… you’re accusing Ryan Lowell of misconduct?"

After hearing me out, his expression didn’t so much as twitch. A detached smile played on his lips.

I nodded emphatically. I didn’t know if coming to him was the right choice, but he was my only option now.

"Ryan is my nephew. Do you really think I don’t know what kind of person he is?"

His words hit me like a sledgehammer. My ears rang, and a cold shiver slithered down my spine. My nails dug into my palms.

Vice Principal Lowell was Ryan’s uncle. Now, remembering the threat Ryan had thrown at me earlier, everything made sense.

No wonder he acted with such arrogance in the dance class—he had protection from above. And I’d just handed my grievances straight to the enemy.

Vice Principal Lowell narrowed his eyes, his warning laced with menace. "Have you been watching too many dramas, imagining things about your teacher? I don’t want to hear this nonsense again. If any more rumors reach my ears, I’ll have you up here for a little chat, young lady."

His authority was absolute. He didn’t need to raise his voice—just sitting there, he exuded intimidation.

My blood ran cold. A numbing dread coiled around me, leaving me disoriented.

I practically fled downstairs, too panicked to wait for the elevator. Taking the stairs two at a time, I stumbled to a stop at the bottom, gasping for air. A storm of emotions crashed over me. My heart pounded wildly, my throat dry as sandpaper.

By sheer bad luck, I’d stumbled upon Ryan’s protector—and worse, I’d revealed my plans to report him.

They’d definitely compare notes after I left. How was I supposed to survive in dance class now?

Would Ryan grow even bolder?

Not only had I failed to bring him down, but I’d also painted a target on my own back.

The sky darkened, heavy with the promise of rain. I braced my hands on my knees, gulping in air, as if the world had drained of all color.

What was I supposed to do?

How could I fight Ryan when he had the vice principal backing him?

A wave of helplessness and tears surged up. Fat drops spilled from my eyes, splashing to the ground like broken strings. Each one carried the weight of my unspeakable anguish.

It felt like a hand was twisting inside my chest, agony and despair closing in on me.

Was I just supposed to swallow this injustice?

I couldn’t accept that.

Covering my face, I sank to the ground and sobbed. I had no idea what to do.

Then, my phone buzzed in my pocket.