The Day Privilege Backfired

I had thought that teaching at a university would mean dealing with a few difficult colleagues at worst. I never expected the real headache to come from these reckless, clueless students.

"Did you hear me? I told you to strip and get on your knees!" Arlo Latham kicked over a trash can, the loud crash making the surrounding students flinch. "Keep dragging your feet, and I'll have you thrown out of Salt-U right now!"

This kid, who threw his weight around just because his father was the Director of Academic Administration, was standing in front of me with two lackeys who were blocking my path.

I looked at the three of them and suddenly found it almost laughable. They should be around their 20s, which meant that they should have been in the library preparing for exams or sweating it out on the field. Yet, here they were, playing at being street thugs.

I calmly brushed my fingers over the teacher's ID badge pinned to my chest and spoke in an even tone. "School regulation 27: any student who insults faculty will face disciplinary probation at minimum, and expulsion at worst."

Then, I opened my contacts list. "Judging by the three of you, you're from the athletics department. Since you're this lacking in basic manners, I don't mind having a word with your dean."

The blond lackey behind him snatched my phone, his voice dripping with mockery. "You've been a counselor for a few days and already think you're hot stuff? One word from Arlo, and you're out of Salt-U!"

The other one chimed in right after. "Do you even know who Arlo is? No one in Salt-U would dare defy him!"

I took a slow, steady breath, my nails unconsciously digging into my palm. I kept reminding myself of the promise I'd made to my father at home—that I had to stay calm and never rush into conflict, no matter what happened.

After I steadied myself, I forced a professional smile. "I—"

Just as I was about to speak, one of Arlo's lackeys suddenly covered his mouth in exaggerated shock. "Boss! This old hag's been staring at you this whole time! Do you think she's into you?"

Arlo looked me up and down as if inspecting merchandise before curling his lip in disgust. "Her? A woman dressed like some market hag? I'd still think it would be beneath me to even breathe in the same room as her even if she paid me."

Then, he turned to his lackeys with a grin. "Honestly, she'd be better off working in the red-light district for free. It's not like any man would ever want a hick like her anyway."

I couldn't help but frown at his churlish remarks. College athletes these days had no real ability, but their ego sure was sky-high.

I extended my hand calmly. "Give me back my phone. I'll pretend this never happened."

Arlo's expression darkened instantly. "Who the hell do you think you are, bargaining with me? I might as well write myself out of the Latham family if I don't make you beg on your knees today!"

His two lackeys immediately closed in with sinister grins. A clear female voice cut in just as they were about to grab my arm.

"The school specially hired Ms. Tyne. How can you treat her with such disrespect?"

I turned my head. The person who had spoken was the grade coordinator, Leona Zeller.

She wore a deliberately pleasant smile as she walked up to Arlo. "Arlo, Ms. Tyne just arrived and doesn't understand the situation yet. Let's not make a big deal out of this for my sake, if nothing else."

Arlo brushed off his shoulder dismissively. "This ugly freak ruined my mood with her outfit! I'll take it up to my father if she doesn't apologize on her knees today."

Leona's expression stiffened for a moment before she grabbed my arm and pulled me aside.

Her lowered voice carried a clear threat. "Have you lost your mind? His father isn't just the Director of Academic Administration, he's also on the board! Apologize now. Otherwise, forget about attendance records, you won't even keep your teaching license!"