Chapter 3

At that moment, I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Christy's voice cracked, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Mom, please... It's me, Christy. You really don't recognize us anymore?"

"If you want to give away my spot, fine—take it. Just please don't let them hurt Dad..."

Zora flinched like she'd been scratched.

"Shut up! That spot was never yours to give."

At the table, the principal let out a dry laugh.

"Kid, you can say whatever you want, but don't go around making false claims."

"The admissions committee already confirmed it. The recommendation letter has Zora's name on it."

"As for you? You're not even on the waitlist."

The others nodded along, murmuring in agreement.

Christy's face went pale. "That's impossible. That letter was meant for me."

"My grades, my competition records, my interview feedback—everything's there..."

The homeroom teacher smirked, pulled out his phone, and tapped a few times.

"The recommendation is crystal clear—Zora Hallowell."

"Wanting to get into Northmere School is one thing, but pulling stunts like this?"

Christy shook her head frantically. "No. No way."

Same scores. Same achievements.

But her name? Gone. Like it never existed.

Sadie wouldn't even look at her.

The principal leaned back, grinning. His eyes crawled over Christy like he was sizing her up.

"Tell you what—you seem like a promising kid. Have a drink with me, then come by my room later tonight. I'll give you some... personal guidance."

"Forget finding a mom."

Something snapped inside me. I grabbed a baton from one of the guards and swung it straight at him.

"Say one more disgusting word and I'll end you."

Sadie's face went pale.

"Britton Jensen, who the hell do you think you are, laying a hand on Principal Barnett?"

"Security! What are you waiting for? Take him down!"

Within seconds, they tackled me to the floor.

Sadie forced a smile, turning to the principal. "Principal Barnett, please don't let this psycho ruin your evening. I'll have them removed immediately."

The principal's face darkened. The buzz from the wine was gone, replaced by something uglier.

"Miss Ballard, I'd like to help you out here. But if someone's questioning Zora's admission, we need to clear this up properly."

"Send the girl to the hotel. Tonight. I'll conduct a... thorough investigation."

"Otherwise, Zora's enrollment might run into some... complications."

Sadie hesitated. Barely two seconds.

Then she gave the order. "Take her over. Let her apologize to Principal Barnett properly."

The guards grabbed Christy and dragged her toward him.

The principal's eyes narrowed. He grabbed her hand, squeezing it.

"Whatever's bothering you, sweetheart, you can tell me all about it tonight. But we need to get to know each other first—really get to know each other."

Christy shook violently. She tried to scream, but nothing came out.

I thought my heart would stop. Rage—pure, blinding rage—flooded every part of me.

"Let her go! Sadie, what the hell is wrong with you? She's your daughter!"

Christy was gasping now, choking on her own breath.

"Dad... help..."

Then her whole body seized up.

She couldn't breathe. Asthma attack.

I threw off the guards—I don't know how—and lunged toward her, already pulling the inhaler from my pocket.