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Novel Catalog
Chapter 32
Nicole paused outside the door, her hand still hovering in the air as she listened to the conversation inside.
She could hear the tension in Ms.
Emerson’s voice as she tried to defend herself.
“I didn’t mean it like that, Mr.
Kennedy.
It was a gesture of goodwill…
nothing more,” Ms.
Emerson replied, her voice shaky.
“Oh, please.
Don’t pretend like you’re doing it out of kindness.
You’re trying to buy favor, and everyone can see through it,” Mr.
Kennedy sneered.
“You think just because you’re older, you can get away with these things? This is a school, not a marketplace.”
Nicole’s brow furrowed at Mr.
Kennedy’s harsh words.
She had heard of him before—an ambitious, somewhat self-righteous teacher who never hesitated to speak his mind, regardless of the consequences.
She didn’t particularly like the way he handled things, but it wasn’t her place to intervene.
Still, hearing Ms.
Emerson being put on the spot like this left a sour taste in her mouth.
After a brief silence, Ms.
Emerson finally spoke up, her voice a bit steadier now.
“Mr.
Kennedy, I understand your concerns, but it really was just a gesture.
I’m trying my best, as you are, to help our students.”
Nicole had heard enough.
She wasn’t going to stand by while Ms.
Emerson was being cornered.
She knocked firmly on the door, announcing her presence with the sound of her knock.
“Ms.
Emerson?” Nicole called out gently, opening the door with a polite smile.
The moment the door swung open, both Ms.
Emerson and Mr.
Kennedy turned their attention to her.
Mr.
Kennedy’s expression faltered for a split second, but he quickly masked it with a slight nod of acknowledgment.
“Ah, Nicole.
Come in, come in,” Ms.
Emerson said, her smile relieved to see a friendly face.
“I was just about to help you with your paperwork.”
Nicole stepped into the office, her eyes briefly meeting Mr.
Kennedy’s.
She didn’t let his presence affect her, though.
Instead, she focused on Ms.
Emerson, who was clearly uncomfortable.
“Sorry to interrupt, Ms.
Emerson,” Nicole said politely, “I just wanted to check in and get the necessary documents for my dorm room.
I’ve already packed, and I’m ready to settle in.”
Ms.
Emerson nodded quickly, seeming eager for a change in topic.
“Of course, Nicole.
Just give me a moment to get everything for you.” She walked to her desk, the conversation between her and Mr.
Kennedy seeming to dissolve into a quiet murmur.
Nicole took a seat, feeling the subtle weight of the tension in the room, but she chose not to engage.
She wasn’t here for drama—she was here for her studies, and she intended to stay focused on that.
Meanwhile, Mr.
Kennedy glanced at her once more, his tone shifting as he spoke.
“If you’re all set, Ms.
Emerson, I’ll leave you to it.
I’m sure Nicole can handle her own affairs.”
Nicole didn’t miss the subtle dismissal in his voice, but she didn’t let it bother her.
She remained polite and kept her posture relaxed as she waited for the paperwork to be handed over.
