Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Copper

"I'm sorry," Mrs. Lionheart rested her hand on her hip. "Is there something we're missing? Mr. Hardley, get rid of that child now or we will remove our funding from this school."

"Woman," Mr. Hardley exclaimed. "Do you not know who this is?!"

Mrs. Lionheart took a step back as if Hardley used his voice to slap her. "I beg your pardon?"

Sylvester placed one leg over the other. "Both of you own the Falcon Constructions company, with seven branches all over the nation. You tried to get our attention in order to work on a collab for one of our new buildings."

Mr. and Mrs. Lionheart's mouths dropped. I smirked. Frustrated, or maybe just wanting to save his image in Sylvester's eyes, Mr. Hardley spelt it out for them. "This is Mr. Sylvester Harmony, owner and executive director of Harmony Enterprises! He is one of THE most sort after businessman on this continent and the only one who accepts apprentices."

Yeah, that's right. Quake in his wake, ya' basic bitches.

"I-is that so?" Gingerly, Mr. Lionheart strode towards Sylvester with his palms pressed together. Sylvester's eyes barely glanced at him. "Mr. Harmony, please don't sue us. We have made a big mistake. As for our Betty, don't worry about her. It's nothing a little ice pack won't fix. You don't need to pay a dime for medical bills."

While I folded my arms, Sylvester turned his attention to the principal. "Is the proof satisfactory enough? If so, then what's your verdict, Mr. Hardley?"

"This is more than enough evidence, Sir." He handed the tablet over to the [herlastname]s so they could see it for themselves. "And to think I almost fell for it. Betty Lionheart, for numerous cases of harassment, bullying, and assault on several of our hardworking students, I have no choice but to expel you right here and now."

She appeared shocked, but none of your parents stood up for her. They simply hung her heads down in shame.

"Does that satisfy you, Sir?"

"That depends." Sylvester shifted his gaze to me. "Does that satisfy you, Copper?"

I guess her punishment depended on me. I pretended to think about it for a minute, muttering to myself as if contemplating my options.

"Hmm, I don't know," I tapped my chin. "I guess that could work. However, I think there's something else we're all forgetting. Betty here has yet to apologize to me, or any of my crew."

"Betty!" Mrs. Lionheart hissed. She seemed to shrink before coming over to me and bowing her head. "I am sorry for all the pain I caused you... and your crew."

"Hm. Okay, I'm satisfied." I made sure to glare directing into those green eyes she used to use to scrutinize me. "But make sure you apologize to the other too, especially Kesha. Or else this won't be the last time you'll hear from me. Got it?"

"G-got it."

"Nice girl!" My hand reached up to pat her head. "Then we'll have no problems."

A low chuckle erupted in the room. Sylvester leaned back in his chair. I finally decided to take the seat beside him. "You heard her. It was wonderful to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Lionheart. You can sleep peacefully knowing I won't be suing you over something silly. Kids are kids, after all! I have no doubt you'll all take this as a learning experience. Have a nice day."

Without a word her family started filing out of the office. Before leaving, Mr. Lionheart passed my grandfather's guard the tablet. He nodded while keeping the door open for them. Once they were all gone, he closed it shut.

Mr. Hardley sank into his black cushion chair, nervous smile never leaving his face. While watching them both, I copied Sylvester's posture and sat back with one leg over the other. "Sir, let me just say how happy I am to have one of your own studying here. I trust our school is up to your standards-"

"Ah, yes. There is another reason why I chose to come here in place of her parents."

Mr. Hardley accepted a folded given to him by Guard. He laughed with a shaky breath as he opened it. "Uh, you don't need to give me anything for my hard work-"

"Good, because I wasn't planning to," Sylvester interrupted again. "What you see there is an acceptance letter from Hawthorn Newmen Academy. She will be attending starting the first week of February. Can I expect that you know what to do with that information?"

The principal hurriedly scanned through the documents. "B-but that can't be."

"Why not?"

"Hawthorn Newmen Academy is well known fore being hard to get into-"

"And Copper will be going there."

"The Academy only accepts people with strong connections..."

"Then what am I? Non-existent?"

"Wha- of course not, Sir! Our programs are pretty good and we will make sure to pay special attention to her now that we know she's related to you."

"Yes, well, that's your problem. Your inability to ensure safety for your students has caused my granddaughter to be targeted by someone you praised as a good student. I wish I could say it was nice knowing you, however, I've had a better reception at the bank."

There was no human in the leather office chair, only a statue. Mr. Hardley didn't make a sound. Sylvester got up, and I did as well. Looks like we were done here.

Guard begun to take away the document but he was stopped by his boss. "Don't, Let him keep it. It's only a copy." He nodded and let go, racing to open the door for us. Right then, Ellen, the secretary, nearly bumped into us with a tray of teacups and a pot. Sylvester's smile was full of warmth.

"Thank you, young lady. Have a lovely day at work." He stepped to the side and breezed past. I, on the other hand, picked up the teapot and poured myself a cup.

"Mm~ peppermint?" I didn't for her reply as I dropped two cubes of sugar, lifted the cup off the tray, took a sip, smiled, and walked out the door. Forever.