They applauded her like she had won a prize, yet it didn’t feel like a win to her. Natalie knew she was a puppet dancing on soone’s strings. And she didn’t like it one bit.
The charade was over, which ant the caras had stopped rolling, and Natalie waited right outside the hall for Jason.
It wasn’t long before Jason arrived, laughing politely at whatever the two board mbers beside her said. Even her laughter was airy and professional. Jason was always the picture of poise.
Natalie didn’t care that she was with guests, she pushed off the wall and stepped directly into her path.
The board mbers were startled at her abrupt appearance, their brows drawn in confusion. Jason, as expected, took charge of the situation.
"Isn’t that our new Alpha? Oh—wait, that’s what the wolves say, right?" Jason chuckled stiffly. "For humans, we say ’President,’ don’t we?"
She looked far too pleased with herself for a line that landed like a wet sock. Natalie just stared at her, deadpan. She was not flattered, nor amused. And she didn’t even pretend to be.
"I get it," she said to the board mbers. "She’s still in shock. We didn’t tell her about the position until the last minute. I’d be rattled too if I—"
"Is this funny to you?" Natalie cut her off, unamused.
The board mbers looked deeply uncomfortable now sensing the tension between them. Jason turned to them with a sweet smile. "Why don’t you two head ahead? I’ll catch up shortly."
They left without hesitation.
As soon as they were gone, Jason focused on her.
"What’s the problem, Natalie, dear?" she asked, her tone suddenly flattering. "You did great out there. We even tailored the script to your taste. I don’t see anything wrong."
"Do you think I’m stupid?" Natalie hissed.
Jason said nothing.
"I get my news too, and I know for a fact that position was supposed to be Violet’s. So tone down the asslicking. It’s beginning to make my skin crawl."
Jason was taken aback, silence dawning for a beat. Then Jason sighed and ran a hand through her sleek hair. When she looked back up, the sugary charm was gone.
"You’re right. Violet Purple was the original choice."
"Then what changed?"
"The mont Violet bonded with Griffin, the power dynamic shifted. We need soone neutral. Soone not easily influenced by the wolves. Soone on our side. Soone with influence."
"And you picked ." Natalie nodded, tone dry. "Or rather, went through my father."
Jason didn’t deny it.
"The Avax family isn’t insignificant," she said. "Unlike Violet, a nobody who got lucky clinging to the Cardinal Alphas, you co from bloodlines that matter. When the fifth house is built, your family na will finally have a place in Lunaris Academy."
Natalie stepped closer until they were eye to eye.
"One day, you’ll get what’s coming to you."
Jason didn’t even blink. The children’s threats had long since stopped fazing her. These days, they sounded more like motivational quotes.
Natalie glared hard enough, then turned and began to walk away.
"Where are you going?" Jason called after her.
"Getting the fuck away from you," Natalie retorted.
"You can’t do that. We have lunch to attend."
"I have classes."
"Cancel them," Jason said. "Your father’s waiting. And so is the President."
Natalie froze mid-step. Then turned slowly. "The President?"
Jason nodded, already walking toward her. "You’re representing all of humanity now, Natalie. Get used to it." She brushed an invisible dust away from the girl’s shoulder. "We leave in my car. I expect you in ten minutes. Dress like the winner you are."
She brushed past her with her usual superior air and left.
Twenty minutes later....
Natalie sauntered toward the car, entirely unbothered by the sight of Jason standing beside it with her arms folded and a deep frown carved into her face.
"I said ten," Jason remarked dryly, pointing out her lateness.
"Not my problem. Now drive."
Jason bristled at the girl’s attitude. But there was nothing she could do. This was the small price she paid to hold the position she had today. Look at her, having a private al with the President. How many principals could boast of that?
So yeah, even if it involved playing chauffeur to a spoiled princess, she’d do it. As long as she kept her job.
Natalie slid into the back seat, and Jason got in behind the wheel. The ride was tense, awkward, and quiet until Natalie decided to break the silence.
"I’m curious about sothing," she said, voice smooth. "How much exactly did Caroline pay you to clear her daughter’s na?"
Jason’s gaze didn’t shift from the road. "Excuse ?"
Natalie cocked her head. "I an, don’t you find it a little too convenient that Grace suddenly confesses to leaking the sex tape, but she’s neither arrested for illegal filming. Then she’s expelled from Lunaris Academy? And yet, sohow, she’s transferred to another school downtown in the middle of the sester, while Elsie gets the stage to apologize and walks away with community service?" Natalie gave a short, humorless laugh. "You really are proficient at your job, Principal Jason."
Jason wasn’t rattled. "Elsie is the victim in this scandal and the punishnt was appropriate. Caroline and Elsie chose not to press charges, and frankly, I agreed. No need to ruin a young girl’s life. Expulsion was punishnt enough. If Grace found another school, well lucky her, don’t you think?"
"Hm," Natalie humd, yet the sound was empty.
There was a pause.
"Although I’m curious about you too, Natalie," Jason said, casually.
"Curious about what?" Natalie lifted a brow.
"How do you get your information? If I wasn’t so careful, I’d almost think you were the Oracle. Or..." She paused for suspense.
"...You’re just close to her. And it wouldn’t surprise at all, considering the kind of details you get."
Their eyes locked through the rearview mirror and the silence between them buzzed.
Then Jason let out a light and dismissive laugh.
"Or maybe I’m wrong," she said sweetly. "Who knows?"
Natalie’s lips pressed into a thin, hard line.
That bitch.
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