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Chapter_63
The tension in the room was so thick it was almost suffocating. Hilda, her face flushed with both anger and humiliation, took a step back, rubbing her neck where Vivienne’s fingers had been moments before. Her threats hung in the air, but she knew well enough not to escalate things any further in front of so many witnesses.
Vivienne, standing still with an air of calm menace, kept her gaze steady on Hilda. There was no trace of hesitation in her, and it was clear to everyone in the room that she was not someone to be trifled with. She wasn’t playing games, and the parents, Lysander included, had all seen enough to know that Vivienne was not only capable of standing up for herself but also of wielding power in a way that none of them had anticipated.
Hilda was caught off guard by Vivienne’s cold composure. The threatening words she had delivered were far from empty, and she could feel the weight of them bearing down on her. But her pride—stubborn and unchecked—didn’t allow her to back down completely. Still, the fear in her eyes was unmistakable as she shot a venomous glare at Vivienne before turning her attention to the others in the room. She knew this confrontation wasn’t over, and deep down, she was already plotting her revenge.
Mr. James, though visibly upset, took a deep breath, his anger giving way to concern for Vivienne. His eyes softened as he addressed the room, his voice firm but measured. “Hilda, I suggest you go home and reflect on your actions. You’ve overstepped, and there are consequences for that. As for you,” he said, turning to the other parents, “if you have any further doubts about Vivienne’s abilities or qualifications, I suggest you take a long, hard look at your own beliefs and biases. She deserves your respect, not your insults.”
The room was eerily quiet as everyone processed what had just happened. The shift in the atmosphere was palpable. The parents who had once doubted Vivienne now seemed hesitant to speak, the weight of Mr. James’s authority hanging over them. The realization that they had wronged her—perhaps even underestimated her—was setting in.
Lysander, who had stood by silently, finally spoke, his voice cool but with a touch of reprimand. “Vivienne,” he said, addressing her with a hint of concern, “you’ve handled this situation well, but we must be careful. Don’t let the actions of others push you too far. You have a bright future ahead of you, and you don’t want to tarnish it over people like her.”
Vivienne nodded, her expression softening just slightly as she acknowledged Lysander’s words. “I know,” she replied, her tone quiet but resolute. “But some things need to be said, and some people need to be put in their place. I’m not backing down, and I won’t let anyone disrespect me or the people I care about.”
Lysander didn’t argue. He understood the fire that burned in her—he had seen it before. And he had no doubt that Vivienne would always stand up for herself, no matter the consequences.
The other parents, having witnessed the scene unfold, were visibly shaken. Some were whispering among themselves, while others avoided eye contact, clearly regretting their earlier harsh words. None of them dared to challenge Vivienne now, and for the first time since the meeting began, they seemed to understand the true depth of her capabilities.
As for Hilda, her once-strong resolve had crumbled. The fiery glare she had cast Vivienne now seemed to lose its bite, replaced by uncertainty. She hadn’t expected Vivienne to retaliate in such a direct and powerful way, and she realized, too late, that her words had consequences.
“I hope you’ve learned your lesson, Hilda,” Mr. James said, his voice cold and final. “You can leave now, and I suggest you stay out of Vivienne’s way from now on. Because if you continue with this behavior, there will be no tolerance left.”
Hilda, now thoroughly humiliated, gave one last scowl before storming out, her mind still reeling. She could feel the weight of her actions bearing down on her, and though she still burned with anger, she knew there was little she could do in this situation.
As the door slammed behind her, the room was left in a tense silence. Vivienne turned to Mr. James, her demeanor finally softening as the anger and adrenaline began to fade. “Thank you,” she said quietly, her voice almost imperceptible. “For standing up for me.”
Mr. James gave her a reassuring smile, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Anytime, Vivienne. I’ve always had your back, and I always will.”
Lysander nodded in agreement, his gaze unwavering. “You’ve proven yourself today. Don’t let anyone make you doubt that.”
Vivienne met his eyes, a small but genuine smile tugging at her lips. “I won’t. Thanks for believing in me.”
With that, the tension in the room finally dissipated, and the parents—having witnessed the strength and resilience of both Vivienne and Mr. James—were left to reflect on their misguided assumptions. They may have come here to challenge Vivienne, but in the end, it was they who were left humbled.
