At the far end of the table, lounging in his chair like a king holding court, sat Richard Sterling. He was a wealthy man in a bespoke suit, his face a hardened mask of arrogance. Chloe sat next to him, wearing an oversized, expensive sweater, her arm dramatically in a sling that the school nurse certainly hadn't authorized.
“Let’s make this quick, Davis,” Mr. Sterling snapped, checking his gold Rolex. “I have a tee time at two. Expel the girl, sign the restraining order, and we can all move on.”
Principal Davis adjusted his glasses, clearing his throat. “Yes, Mr. Sterling. The board has reviewed the incident. Maya Lin engaged in a brutal, unprovoked physical assault on your daughter and another student, resulting in the destruction of property and severe emotional distress. It is the unanimous decision of this administration—”
“Wait,” Arthur’s voice cut through the room. It wasn't loud, but it possessed a resonant authority that forced Davis to stop speaking.
“Mr. Lin,” Davis sneered. “You are here as a courtesy. Your granddaughter's scholarship has already been revoked.”
“A judgment requires evidence,” Arthur said calmly. “You have only heard a story.”
“We have witnesses!” Chloe cried out, gesturing with her uninjured arm. “Half the hallway saw her throw me!”
Maya finally looked up. She locked eyes with Chloe, and the wealthy bully actually shrank back slightly in her chair.
“They saw me defend myself after you destroyed my property,” Maya said smoothly. She reached into her blazer and placed the silver flash drive on the mahogany table. “But I don't care about the hallway, Chloe. I care about chemistry class.”
The color instantly drained from Chloe’s face. She shot a panicked look at her father.
Principal Davis frowned. “What does chemistry class have to do with you violently attacking another student?”
“Everything,” Maya said. She looked at the head of the Board of Directors, a stern, older woman named Mrs. Vance. “Mrs. Vance, there is a projector integrated into this table. I request permission to display evidence relevant to my expulsion.”
“This is ridiculous!” Mr. Sterling barked, sitting up straight. “Davis, shut this down!”