"Expel me?"
The instructor smirked. It was the first time he had ever heard of a student so arrogant as to suggest expelling a faculty member.
"Mike Carter, you are insufferable! To my office, now!" he barked, turning on his heel, his inner composure unwavering. Mike's defiance only solidified his decision to expel him.
The field erupted in whispers and jeers.
"Finally, he's getting kicked out."
"The school will be much cleaner without him."
Only Amelia Song tugged at Mike's sleeve, shaking her head. Her hands moved in hurried gestures, but Mike couldn't decipher her message. He guessed she was trying to say she was okay and didn't blame him.
Mike looked down at her red, muddied hands and spoke firmly. "Amelia, go to the cafeteria and wait for me. Don't worry, not even God himself can expel me."
"Arrogant!" the instructor thundered. "River Valley College doesn't need a student like you!"
The field buzzed with onlookers, all treating the moment like a grand spectacle. Among them, Sophia Rivers fretted, asking, "What should we do? Mike's not really going to get expelled, is he?"
"Why do you care?" Leila Stewart rolled her eyes. "Sophia, has your brain short-circuited?"
Mike followed the instructor to his office. As soon as they entered, the instructor kicked over a chair and slammed his hand on the desk, his frustration boiling over.
"Enough talking. Sign this form and get out!" he roared.
Mike stood unshaken.
He knew the truth. If he left, the entire institution would quake under the weight of his absence.
"Mr. Anderson, may I ask who authorized my expulsion?" Mike's tone was calm, almost icy.
"I did! And it's what the students want! You've embarrassed this school enough with your behavior. Fighting, attacking female students—have you no shame?" Anderson spat.
Mike smirked. "You didn't bother investigating what happened, did you? Who's really shameless here?"
Anderson's eyes narrowed. He had two reasons for targeting Mike. First, Ethan Holmes had complained about Mike. Ethan, a wealthy donor's son, had offered a generous bribe to ensure Mike's removal. Second, Zoe Han's accusation had conveniently fallen into his lap that morning.
"My grades are among the best here," Mike pointed out, his voice unyielding. "I tolerated you withholding my scholarships for years, but expelling me? That's crossing the line."
Anderson snorted. "You have no choice. You're gone. Now sign the form!"
Mike ignored the paper and pulled out his phone. A notification confirmed the arrival of an expected guest: Henry Collins, a prominent education board official.
Anderson watched Mike's distraction and sneered. "Don't bother calling anyone for help. Even your family's tears won't save you now."
Mike chuckled. "Tears? Those will be yours soon."
A loud knock interrupted the standoff. Anderson growled, "Who is it?"
"Henry Collins," came the reply.
Anderson rolled his eyes, muttering, "Who cares?"
Unfazed, Collins kicked the door open with a resounding crash. He was drenched in sweat but his presence was commanding.
Anderson jumped to his feet, furious. "What's the meaning of this?"
Collins ignored him, turning to Mike. "Mr. Carter, my apologies for the delay."
Mike nodded. "A bit late, but you're here now."
"Wait," Collins frowned. "Expelled? Who authorized this nonsense?"
Anderson scoffed. "What nonsense? He deserves it. Get out of my office!"
Collins' gaze hardened. "Do you know who I am?"
"A meddlesome relative of his," Anderson shot back. "If you don't leave, I'll have security escort you out."
Collins' expression darkened. "Call your principal. Now."
Anderson laughed. "Security!"
As tensions rose, Richard Liu and Zoe entered the room. Zoe clung to Richard, sobbing theatrically.
"Richard, you have to help me! Mike hit me," Zoe whimpered.
Richard patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry. Mike Carter will be expelled today, no matter who tries to intervene."
Anderson laughed. "Perfect timing. Let's settle this."
Richard nodded approvingly. "Who's causing trouble?"
Anderson pointed at Collins. "This guy. Calls himself Henry Collins."
Richard froze, his expression shifting to panic. "Wait, Henry Collins?"