Chapter 97: Mastering the Rules

**Thelma Zane’s POV** Slamming the door and storming off would have made for an impressive exit, wouldn’t it? A grand gesture of defiance, leaving the principal to stew in his own arrogance. But not everyone would see it that way, least of all my parents. “That’s a bit much,” my father said sternly, frowning deeply as he set aside the report in his hand. “Going toe-to-toe with the principal? Threatening him outright? That’s hardly the behavior of a good student, Thelma.” Beside him, my mother’s expression was no less disapproving, though her silence carried a weight that spoke louder than words. I clasped my hands tightly, a pang of guilt surfacing under their scrutiny. “I understand I shouldn’t have contradicted a teacher,” I began cautiously, “but does he even act like a principal? He’s nothing more than a shield for bullies, enabling their behavior just because they bring prestige to the school. A person like that doesn’t deserve to sit in the principal’s chair. He be