Chapter 4

As soon as the speaker finished speaking, a wave of dirty, suggestive snickers rippled through the crowd.

Just then, a group of people in sharp business suits marched in, making a grand entrance.

Someone realized what was happening and yelled out excitedly, "The legal team from Greenlake High is here! Looks like Mr. Bond is about to step in and deal with her himself!"

Everyone else's eyes lit up, grinning at me, clearly enjoying the show, their voices buzzing with excitement like it was Christmas.

But Oswald looked totally freaked out.

"Look at that, karma's a bitch! These two messed up big time, and now Mr. Bond's about to make them lose everything; he's gonna ruin them financially," someone shouted.

Someone even started a livestream, shoving the camera right in my face, greed written all over their eyes.

"Hey everyone, the infamous clout-chasing mom and daughter are right here in front of me! Hit that follow, smash the like button, and stay tuned. Watch our city's celebrity principal totally roast this scammer live!"

Hazel looked at Oswald, her eyes practically overflowing with admiration. Then she glanced at me, looking like she was ready for some drama. Hanley, meanwhile, looked super proud, like she was basking in the spotlight.

Oswald's eyes were burning with hatred as he gritted his teeth and asked me, "Did you bring these people here? Do you really have to go this far?"

I crossed my arms, a cold, mocking smile tugging at my lips.

Hazel couldn't wait to jump in. "Nydia, are you scared now? These are Greenlake High's lawyers. Everyone in the city knows who they are.

"You and your daughter came here just to smear our family's name, and you even tried to get my husband fired. Today, I'm going to make you regret ever crossing us," she sneered.

Hazel was quick to claim all the credit, her voice getting even louder.

"I'm the one who called them here. She's not going anywhere now," she said smugly.

Oswald shot Hazel a stunned look.

Hazel gave him a knowing nod, completely missing the reproach in his eyes.

"Oswald, it honestly hurts me to see her treat you like you don't matter. Don't worry. I'll handle the rest!" she said, her voice full of self-assurance.

I couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous she was.

Honestly, the bigger she made this mess, the better it was for me.

Oswald was just about to explode, but the group of lawyers completely ignored me and walked straight up to him.

The lead lawyer, Heath Cox, gave a respectful bow.

"Mr. Bond, Ms. Pena has already filled me in on everything. We'll make sure to handle this troublemaker properly," he said.

Oswald let out a quiet sigh of relief, the anxiety in his eyes vanishing. Then, trying to look all high and mighty, he pointed at me.

"Yep, that's the one. Teach her a lesson she won't forget," he said.

The crowd was practically rubbing their hands together, waiting for the drama to unfold.

"Humph, she's getting called out in front of everyone! Didn't you say you had the power to decide if Mr. Bond keeps his job? Go ahead, tell Greenlake High's lawyers and see if they buy it," someone jeered.

"Isn't it obvious? Look at her, totally chickening out. Can't even say a word now," another person snickered.

Heath sized me up, his voice loud and full of superiority as he addressed me, "Ma'am, after checking things out, we've found your actions have seriously damaged Greenlake High's reputation.

"We're taking you to court for this, and we'll be demanding the highest compensation we can get."

I met his gaze with a calm, unflinching look, my voice ringing out with authority. "I'm making it official. Effective immediately, Greenlake High is terminating your contract. You can pack your things and get out."

Actually, the chief lawyer from Snyder Group had just given me a heads-up that these people were coming, and I deliberately told my own legal team to let them through.

I wanted to see for myself just how many lackeys Oswald and Hazel had on their side behind my back.

This was the perfect chance to catch them all in one sweep.