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Chapter_64
Vivienne’s mind raced as she processed Lysander’s words. Twenty thousand a month for a PE teacher? This was absurd! She glanced at Percival, who was still smiling at her with his hand extended, clearly expecting some kind of agreement.
“Lysander,” she said, her voice steady but filled with incredulity, “I understand the need for balance, but this is a bit excessive, don’t you think?”
Lysander chuckled nervously, clearly not expecting such a reaction. “I know it’s a lot, but you see, Percival’s family connections are… influential, and he’s been quite adamant about wanting to help out. Plus, I didn’t want to leave him in a tough spot.”
Vivienne narrowed her eyes, her patience wearing thin. “You’re paying him a ridiculous amount of money for PE, but what exactly is he going to be doing? I don’t have time for anyone who doesn’t contribute to the class’s academic success.”
Percival, still smiling, tilted his head slightly and gestured to his wheelchair. “Look, I’m not asking to teach science or anything. Just some basic physical education to help the kids stay healthy. It’s all about keeping their energy up for those long study sessions, you know?”
Vivienne almost laughed. He was good—too good at weaving his words into something that sounded reasonable. But she wasn’t going to fall for it. She had enough on her plate already without juggling some overpaid, underqualified PE teacher who thought he could waltz into her class just because he was “broke.”
Her eyes met Lysander’s, and she could see the struggle in his expression. He was clearly trying to avoid a conflict, but this was too much for Vivienne to accept. “You really expect me to believe this?” she asked. “A wheelchair-bound, ‘broke’ man, whose family supposedly cut him off, is somehow worth twenty grand a month for… physical education?”
The silence that followed was thick with tension. Lysander glanced at Percival, then back at Vivienne, clearly caught between wanting to please both of them.
“Vivienne, I get your point. I really do,” Lysander said, his tone more earnest. “But he needs this job, and we both know that the students could use some physical activity. If the financial aspect is too much, I can work something out. I’m not here to make things harder for you.”
Vivienne’s thoughts raced. She didn’t have the time or energy for this drama. But at the same time, she wasn’t about to back down and allow herself to be steamrolled. She took a deep breath, then looked at Percival with steely resolve. “Fine,” she said, her tone unwavering. “He can stay, but his role is strictly limited to physical activities and nothing more. I will not allow distractions that could affect the students’ focus.”
Percival nodded quickly, obviously relieved. “Of course, Ms. Vivienne. I’ll stick to the plan. Just a little exercise here and there to help with the stress, nothing more.”
Vivienne eyed him suspiciously. “Good. And don’t expect any special treatment, Percival. You’re here to support the students, not to play your little games.”
Lysander let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “Thank you, Vivienne. You’re being reasonable, as always.”
Vivienne’s gaze softened just a little, but she wasn’t finished yet. “I’ll give you one last warning, Percival. Don’t push your luck. You’ll either contribute to the class, or you’ll be out the door faster than you can blink. Got it?”
Percival straightened up in his wheelchair, his smile fading into something more serious. “Understood, Ms. Vivienne. I’m here to help. I promise.”
Vivienne gave a sharp nod, signaling the end of the conversation. She didn’t have the time or patience for more excuses. As she turned to leave, her thoughts wandered back to her real responsibilities—Class Eighteen’s progress and the exams looming ahead. There were no more distractions allowed.
Lysander, clearly relieved that the situation had been resolved, walked with her toward the door. “Thank you for being so understanding,” he said quietly, lowering his voice. “I know it’s not easy, but I trust you to handle this. You’ve got a way of getting things done.”
Vivienne didn’t respond immediately, her mind still preoccupied. But after a moment, she turned to him and said flatly, “Don’t expect me to compromise on what matters, Lysander. I’m doing this for the students—not for Percival or anyone else. So make sure you’re clear on that.”
Lysander, though a bit taken aback by her firmness, simply nodded. “Understood. I’ll handle it from my end, I promise.”
With that, Vivienne walked out of the office, her mind already shifting gears to the tasks ahead. She had no time for unnecessary drama. Only results mattered now.
