Semua Bab One False Charge, One Full Rampage: Bab 1 - Bab 9

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

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

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.

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