Chapter 266
Lily did not return to the classroom with Anya. Instead, she went to the principal’s office.
In the office, Joseph was leaning back against his chair. His expression was grave as he rubbed his temple.
The knocks on the door pulled him out of his thoughts. He straightened up and schooled his expression into neutrality. “Come in.”
Lily pushed the door open and walked into the office, Joseph stiffened at the sight of her before he frowned, “What are you doing back in school? Shouldn’t you rest for a few more days?”
He rose to pour her a glass of water, assessing her as he did. She seemed to be in good spirits, save for the trace of exhaustion that lined her features. Joseph reckoned she had to be tired after attending the auction in Bridgeport and taking care of her grandmother’s postmortem matters.
Lily took a sip of the warm water. “I’ve got to hit the books now that the SATS are just around the corner.”
The comer of Joseph’s mouth twitched. He was amused that she, of all people, needed to “hit the books“.
“So, to what pleasure do I owe this visit?” Joseph knew Lily wouldn’t look for him unless she needed something
“I do have something to bring to your attention,” Lily began. “Mr. Woodley, have you heard of Zoey’s recent bullying streak?”
Joseph barked an exasperated laugh. “Oh, I’ve heard all about it.”
“So, what do you plan to do about it?” Lily pressed, her calm voice not entirely concealing the sharp and demanding undertone.
Joseph pinched his nose bridge. “While I’d love to do something about it, I can’t. You’ve been to Bridgeport. You should know that my family isn’t as powerful as before. As things are, whatever the Moores do is out of our hands.”
Lily lowered her head. A beat later, she looked up. “I’ve decided to accept the proposition you offered the other day.”
“Hmm?” He froze as he registered her words. He bolted to his feet and demanded in disbelief, “You’re accepting it?”
“Yes.” Lily stood up. “But the procedure will have to wait until after the SATs.”
“Yes, of course!” Joseph grinned from ear to ear, happy that Lily had considered and accepted his proposition to step up as principal.
Once that was done, Lily would be tied to the Woodley family.
Lily turned to leave. As she did so, she glanced at Joseph and said impassively, “Mr. Woodley, I suggest you go to Bridgeport one of these days and tell your family to lie low for a while.”
Joseph’s expression tightened. “Is something about to happen in Bridgeport?”
“It’s just a guess.”
A grim look registered on Joseph’s face after Lily left.
During free period in the afternoon, Lily surprisingly did not take a nap. Instead, she took out her math workbook and pored over the questions.
She had done these questions countless times, but she figured she was better off going through them than stewing in her own boredom.
A moment later, John suddenly opened the door and entered the classroom. There was someone behind him.
When Lily saw the person, her eyes narrowed, and a cold smile curled her lips.
John rapped his knuckles on the desk and said, “Everyone, eyes on me for a minute! I have an announcement.”
He
e gestured to the person next to him and said, “This is the new transfer student who will be joining our class from now onward. I hope all of you will take good care of her.”
He then addressed the new transfer student, “Go on, introduce yourself.”
“Good afternoon, everyone. I’m Yolanda Albott.”
The students of Class 18 gaped at Yolanda, seemingly at a loss..
A long pause later, someone said, “Who the hell in their right mind would transfer to a new school two months before the SATs?”
“First, it was Lily. Then, Zoey came back after a year of missing school. Now, we have a transfer student just before the SATS? This year’s been wild”
“I know Ember Creek High School has a high admissions rate, but transferring here when the SATs are right around the corner is madness!” Lily leveled a stare at Yolanda. She then took out her phone and sent Joseph a text.