All Chapters of One False Charge, One Full Rampage: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

9 Chapters

Chapter 1

"If it weren't for the fact that your street-corner sketches were halfway decent, you think I'd ever hire you?" Sebastian exhaled a harsh cloud of smoke right into my face after speaking."Without me, you think you'd be a teacher? You'd still be dodging code enforcement officers while drawing portraits on the sidewalk. You should be grateful!"I looked at the overweight fool in front of me and gave him a faint, mocking smile. I asked, "So how exactly do you want me to show my gratitude?"He had clearly been waiting for that question. The cold, nasty expression on his face flipped instantly into a greasy grin."I didn't even ask for your teaching license or your diploma, and I still gave you a job. Isn't that good enough? You deny taking the 120 thousand dollars, but that money went missing because of you. Who else am I supposed to hold responsible?"Either you work for me for ten years, bring in five thousand art-exam students, and pay off the debt…"He continued, his yellowed, m

Chapter 2

Seeing the greedy look on Sebastian's face, I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails dug into my palms.Just then, my phone lit up, snapping me out of my spiraling thoughts."Ms. Mercer! I got first place in all of Adrana! The teachers at school said they're giving me a scholarship! My parents finally agreed to let me continue studying, and they even returned that lame guy's bridal gift."There are a few more women in our village who want to learn art. Can you keep teaching them?"Cute emojis filled the screen one after another, and all of my anger melted away.When I looked up, Sebastian already had his arm around Jayla as they walked off. Even from a distance, I could hear them talking."We're going to be rich. One more round and we can move to Spoywana…"I curved my lips into a cold smile, switched off my recorder, and replied to my student."Mr. Emerson, I'll make sure to 'show my gratitude' this month," I murmured....Back at my desk, the first thing I did was organ

Chapter 3

I kicked Jayla's wrist, sending the scissors flying, then shoved her hard onto the trashed couch.She looked completely unhinged. Ash and spilled liquor stained her clothes and face, and she kept cursing nonstop, "Carmen, aren't you something? When did you start sleeping with Sebastian?"Cutting off someone's income is basically asking for a fight. I swear I'm going to take you down today!"She tried to lunge at me again, but all I felt was pity for her. "I didn't do anything. Sebastian is just my boss.""Bullshit!" Tears smeared across her face as she leaned in close, her voice sharp with pain. "If you didn't seduce him, where would a clueless fresh graduate get money for a brand-new runway bag? He handed all my clients over to you. Last month I only made a thousand dollars!"Do you think he chose me for the interview tomorrow because I'm qualified? He just wants to piss you off! It's all because of you that I can't even pay my dad's hospital bills now!"Jayla suddenly grabbed a

Chapter 4

Sebastian angrily ended our call. Then, he plastered a smile, took Jayla's hand, and led her proudly into the hall.I tuned into the livestream. Laura Graham, the student who placed first, was speaking on behalf of the others."Thank you so much, Ms—""Thank me? Ms. Graham, you're welcome," Jayla interrupted, her smile bright.Laura's parents valued sons over daughters to a brutal degree. If I hadn't noticed her talent for art, they would have sold her off long ago.That day was her first time speaking in front of so many people, and her overwashed, faded school uniform only made her look even more flustered when someone cut her off mid-sentence."During training, it was Ms—""I'm the one who cooked for them, washed their clothes, and helped with their assignments," Jayla cut in again. "It's no big deal. That's what a teacher does."Laura's fingers clenched so tightly around the bouquet that her knuckles turned white. My heart sank at the sight.Jayla gripped Laura's shoulder

Chapter 5

I said, "The answer to the first question is to establish the environment first, then the subject. Keep the color work clean and clear, and break down the distorted reflections on the stainless steel."As for the second one, use light, long lines to cut out the outer contour and keep the composition balanced."These are such simple questions, and you don't know them? Jayla, how did you score first place in the state?"Everyone stared at me, but I didn't hesitate. I pulled the stunned Laura into my arms.I said, "I'm sorry I'm late. Please don't cry."After fighting alone for five minutes, she completely broke down the moment she saw me. "Ms. Mercer!"I held the trembling Laura and gently patted her back.Across the room, Sebastian glared at me with pure venom in his eyes. His face flushed, then turned pale, and finally he shouted with forced righteousness, "How dare you deny your own teacher! Galerprises doesn't accept students like you. Leave now!"But reporters from Adrana TV

Chapter 6

I said, "You never even signed a contract with me. That was something I made up. And you actually believed it. You didn't ask for my diploma or if I was even qualified. You just hired me on the spot."According to labor law, if an employer hired someone, the contract had to be signed within a month. To dodge taxes and avoid paying social insurance, Sebastian never signed contracts with anyone in the company.With all those cameras present and police officers staring him down, Sebastian realized that he was done for. He shouted, "You did this on purpose!"I stepped forward, my expression firm. "Mr. Emerson, I never even planned to work here. Art is just a hobby to me."But the moment I saw the outrageous fees you charged and how you targeted kids from struggling families like Laura, I was furious. I thought that you might have at least a shred of conscience left. Turns out, you have none."I continued, "I'm currently a doctoral candidate at the School of Political Science and Law.

Chapter 7

I didn't bother listening to any more of Jayla's and Sebastian's nonsense. I just asked a junior reporter who was standing off to the side to take a photo of me and Laura. Then, ignoring everyone else, I walked out with her.A wave of emptiness washed over me as I watched the city fade behind us.Laura was just one of many young women living in this way. How many could I realistically save?"Ms. Mercer, thank you. You changed my life. I'm proud of you, and I'm proud of myself too."Her bright, radiant smile brought tears to my eyes.I replied, "Today's your big day. I'm taking you out for a feast! Order whatever you want and don't worry. I'm loaded!"After we ate, I drove back to Mom's house.Before I had even stepped out of the car, she called me. "Take a look at the livestream."Social media was flooded with accusations claiming Laura's score was fake and that I, an unlicensed art teacher, had manipulated her results for attention.The comments sounded almost convincing.If

Chapter 8

Comments were flashing on my screen nonstop, and I immediately started screen-recording.I wrote, "Everyone, the internet isn't your personal bathroom. You don't get to dump whatever you want wherever you want."Regarding today's fabricated stories and defamatory posts about me and Laura, spread by clickbait accounts, I will be pursuing legal action.""Yeah, right. You're just like that kid from earlier who claimed to be a physics genius, and it turned out his teacher had solved all his questions for him. You just want fame? Fine. I'll make you famous.""I've studied art for ten years, and I still can't draw compositions like that. Stop talking nonsense.""Who's backing you? Come on. Drag your boss out so we can see."Expressionless, I reached for my old sketchbook.I wrote, "If you've studied for ten years and still can't draw like that, I suggest finding another hobby."Composition is basic. Did you even learn properly?"Your teachers must be losing their minds with a studen

Chapter 9

I also posted my student ID from my alma mater. In an instant, my Facebook and Instagram inboxes filled with people begging me to show mercy.I added a final deadline, and only then did things quiet down.I asked a friend to investigate the companies behind several high-traffic gossip accounts. All of them said the same thing—someone had paid them to make those posts.But Sebastian's accounts were already frozen. Where would he get the money?Just then, Justin messaged me."Sebastian embezzled a very large amount. There's no escaping prison time for him."As for his mistress, Jayla, we can't find her. She has vanished. Be careful."We've already filed the indictment. When the time comes, you can just be there as an observer."I stared at the screen in deep thought.Jayla was simply the enforcer of Sebastian's petty tyranny. Aside from breaking into my dorm, cutting up my bag, and slapping me, she hadn't committed any life-ruining acts against me.But now, I sensed that she wa

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