Mike Carter's heart sank as he heard Kenneth Brooks mention the name "Henry Collins."
"What… Henry Collins?" Kenneth stammered, his face turning pale.
"Yes, Henry Collins! And you think he's being unreasonable, flaunting his authority in school," Mr. Ward replied smugly, unaware of the storm he had unwittingly unleashed.
Kenneth didn't respond. His legs wobbled as he peeked into the office to confirm. It was indeed Henry Collins, a figure so influential in the education sector that even the principal would tremble in his presence. Kenneth's mind raced. How could he salvage this situation?
"Forget about expelling Mike Carter," Kenneth whispered hurriedly to Mr. Ward before attempting to slip away.
Mike, leaning casually against the desk, smirked. "Oh, Kenneth, leaving already? I thought you'd want to stay and chat." His voice carried a playful malice that made Kenneth freeze mid-step.
Henry Collins's sharp gaze followed Kenneth as he reluctantly walked in. "So, this is the guy trying to expel Mr. Carter?"
Kenneth's face lost all color. "Mr. Collins, this is a misunderstanding! Surely a matter this trivial doesn't need your intervention…"
Mr. Ward finally began to realize something was amiss. "Mr. Collins? Who's that?" he muttered under his breath.
Henry's expression turned stern. "A misunderstanding? Trying to expel one of the finest students this institution has ever seen? Explain yourself."
Kenneth scrambled for words, but Mike interjected, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, it's all just a big mistake, isn't it, Kenneth? Tell me, why would someone as upstanding as you want to expel me?"
Henry Collins didn't wait for answers. His piercing glare landed on Mr. Ward. "And you. Who gave you the authority to harass a student like this?"
Mr. Ward stammered, pointing weakly at Kenneth. "It… it was his idea!"
Kenneth slapped Mr. Ward across the face, desperate to distance himself. "Shut up, you fool! Don't drag me down with you!"
The scene quickly descended into chaos. Both men were pleading and pointing fingers at each other as Henry Collins silenced them with a wave of his hand. "Enough. Pack your things. Neither of you is fit to remain in this institution."
Kenneth dropped to his knees, begging Mike for mercy. "Mike, I'm sorry. I made a mistake. Please don't let this be the end for me. I have a family to support. I'll apologize in front of the whole school if I have to!"
Mike didn't even spare him a glance.
Henry patted Mike on the shoulder. "You've shown remarkable composure, Mr. Carter. The future of education is lucky to have someone like you involved."
After the chaos settled, Mike headed to the cafeteria, where whispers of the day's events filled the air.
"Can you believe it? Mike Carter is still here!"
"Guess that Zoe Han got what was coming to her. Heard she and Kenneth Brooks had… a thing."
Mike ignored the murmurs and joined Amelia Song at their usual table. Her shy smile greeted him as she pushed a small bowl of porridge his way.
"Thanks," Mike said softly. "You okay?"
Amelia nodded, her hands fidgeting nervously. She gestured an apology for the simple meal, but Mike waved it off.
"It's perfect," he assured her. "Actually… how about we make this a regular thing? Eating together?"
Amelia's eyes widened, and tears glistened as she nodded fervently. She couldn't speak, but her gratitude was clear.
"Great," Mike said, his tone light but earnest. "Tomorrow, same time. And the day after. Whenever you're here, I'll be here too." He let the words linger, his gaze steady on Amelia, who blushed under the intensity. She reached for her spoon, her hand trembling slightly as she stirred the porridge without eating it. Mike chuckled softly. "You know, you should eat before it gets cold. I don't want you skipping meals on my account."
Amelia looked up, her eyes shining, and offered him a tiny smile. It was a smile that spoke volumes—of gratitude, of trust, and of something unspoken yet growing. For a moment, the noise of the cafeteria faded into the background, leaving just the two of them in their small bubble of warmth and connection.
Just as the tender moment lingered, a chilling voice cut through the cafeteria noise.
"Well, if it isn't Mike Carter."
Mike turned to see Ethan Bear swaggering toward him, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Enjoying your meal, are you? I thought someone as… influential as you would have better things to do than slum it here."
Mike's eyes darkened as he positioned himself protectively in front of Amelia. "What do you want, Ethan?"
Ethan smirked. "Oh, nothing much. Just wanted to see the man who ruined the Rivers family sitting here so nonchalantly. Bravo, Mike. Truly impressive."
His mocking tone drew the attention of the entire cafeteria, but Mike remained unfazed. "I eat where I want, and I don't explain myself to dogs."
Ethan's laughter echoed. "Is that right? Well then, let's see how long you can keep your head held high."