Chapter 118 Only One Spot
Sophie walked freely into the principal’s office as though she owned the place. Inside, Andy, Bailey’s mother, Whitlea Dixon, and Derrick, the homeroom teacher of Senior Class 8, were all present.
Andy’s face scrunched up when he saw that it was Sophie again. Even though Sophie got into the school because of Felix, her results were outstanding—perhaps even better than the other students. It was just that he had no idea how to deal with the matter since Bailey was involved in it this time.
“Sophie, can you explain what happened at the physics lab?” The uploaded photos had caused a stir on the school forum for the past few days. It caught the attention of many parents as a result.
Essentially, they deemed school as the place for students to acquire knowledge. It was unquestionable why they would have such violent reactions after the school was involved in a matter like this.
Fixing her gaze on Sophie, Whitlea realized that the former was a beauty with immensely charming and delicate facial features.
Nonetheless, that was the kind of physical appearance she hated the most.
Sophie whipped her head around toward the couch, where Whitlea was seated. That must be Bailey’s mother. They share an uncanny resemblance. She indifferently answered, “Mr. Langston, what else can I do in the lab other than experiments?”
“My purpose of asking you over today is no other than hearing your perspective about the situation at the lab when the incident occurred. You should know that the photos on the forum have created a negative impact. Many parents and students are highly concerned about the incident. If we don’t handle things well, it’ll do no good to you and Bailey.”
Andy was tactful with his words because he knew Felix was one of Tristan’s men, and no one dared to get on the nerves of anyone from the four prominent families in the entire Jipsdale.
“Mm.” Sophie remained nonchalant, and her attitude gave off a vibe that she was not the least bit worried about the current situation.
Right at that moment, a door knock sounded.
Andy instinctively furrowed his brows. Who would it be at a time like this? I’ve got so many matters yet to handle. Who’s here to cause trouble?
Still, he let the people outside in.
“Mr. Langston, we’re the student representatives of the incident this time. A notorious student with bad conduct like Sophie is unworthy to be a student at our school. We’re petitioning for you to expel her.”
There were several girls outside the door, holding a petition in their hands.
At once, the grimace on Andy’s face became more pronounced.
“You all should head back first. The school will handle this matter and give everyone a satisfactory answer in due course.”
“Mr. Langston, we believe you’ll give us the answer we want. If the school continues to condone Sophie’s behaviors, the students who put in their hard work to study like us will be utterly disappointed.” Those girls glared at Sophie in disdain as they clarified their stand.
After the principal’s assistant sent them out, the atmosphere in the office instantly turned heavy with tension.
Derrick had been quietly standing at the side, as he did not know what to say. Deep down, he still believed Sophie.
“Mr. Langston, there must be some misunderstanding. I believe in Sophie’s character. She isn’t someone who would do such a thing.”
Whitlea, who had stayed silent, stood up from the couch and walked up to Sophie.
Looking at the nicely dressed woman before her, Sophie remained unfazed. There was not a tinge of fear in her gaze.
“What else is left to say? It’ll only cause adverse effects for the school if you continue to let her stay! Besides, this student has a bad record, right? I’d say the easiest way is to expel her, Mr. Langston. She’s nothing but a student with a bad reputation. I don’t think there’s a need to call for a director’s meeting to expel her!”
“Mdm. Dixon, we haven’t gotten to the bottom of the matter. Rashly expelling a student doesn’t sound like a reasonable plan.” Andy dared not take too big of a risk to make such a decision.
“What other details are there to establish? How’s Bay’s performance in school? Don’t tell me you’re still unclear, Mr. Langston. Very well, let me set things straight. I don’t care if anything has happened between them, but this matter has indeed affected Bay,” Whitlea snapped. “Her expulsion is the only way to alleviate the impacts caused to the school and Bay. He still wants to get into Jipsdale University and the research institute too! Is that more than enough? What about her? So what if she’s the second in the entire school?” She was ready to eradicate anything that stood in her son’s way.
“Mdm. Dixon.” Andy knew he was in no place to disobey the member of the board of directors. Nonetheless, he dared not hastily decide since Felix was behind Sophie’s admission to the school.
“Mr. Langston, have you been staying in your position for too long? Do you wish to change to another position instead?” Whitlea was growing impatient. She’s nothing but trash. Can’t they make the decision and get rid of her? There’s no need to waste so much time on her!
Anger and annoyance were building up within Andy. However, there was nothing he could do, as she was the director. All he could do at that point was put a smile on his face.
“I know Mr. Dixon is a brilliant student, Mdm. Dixon. But Sophie isn’t too inferior either. If they both take part in the physics competition this time, perhaps they’ll both—”
“Jipsdale Premier High only has one spot for the physics competition, Mr. Langston. What are you trying to imply?” Whitlea was so unhappy that she wanted nothing more than to give a forceful kick to Andy’s mouth.
What ensued was a moment of dead silence.
“Since there’s only one spot, the best way is for them to compete fairly for it if they wish to participate in the physics competition.” Derrick was unable to tolerate it any longer. Does she mean that only Bailey has the right to participate in the competition?
“Who are you? Do you think you’re in a position to speak up?” An ugly scowl crept up to Whitlea’s face. “Let me repeat myself again. Bailey must participate in the upcoming physics competition. How can a student who got expelled represent Jipsdale Premier High? You must be kidding, right?”
Right then, Bailey barged into the principal’s office, and Whitlea’s expression changed.
“Why are you here? No matter what the problem is, I will settle it for you. Get out of here now.”
“I’m of legal age. I hope I can make my own decisions on matters that concern me. Can you not interfere?”
Finishing his words, Bailey approached Sophie and pulled her arm, preparing to head outside.
“Sophie, don’t worry about this matter. I’ll shoulder all responsibilities. I was the one who asked you to go to the lab. This has nothing to do with you.”
No matter what the consequences are, I will face them by myself. Even if it means expulsion, I should be the one bearing this punishment. Besides, nothing happened between us in the physics lab.
“Bailey Dixon, do you still acknowledge me as your mother?” Whitlea was seething with anger. “Are you treating me this way because of this little wretch? I’ve been planning everything for you, but what about you? You’re only messing around in school! You are nothing but an embarrassment to the Dixon family!”
Sophie frowned.
Bailey’s mother is honestly too much. She doesn’t listen to Bailey at all. Does she think the decisions she made for him are always the best?
“Mom, don’t put her in a tight spot. This matter has nothing to do with her. I’ll put in extra effort for the physics competition and make sure I won’t disappoint you. But please don’t hurt her.” Bailey sounded especially despondent.
Whitlea pinning all her unfulfilled dreams on him had undoubtedly caused him to experience burnout.
