Bryson looked at her quizzically and replied, "Don't you usually confront those who have wronged you? I've seen the comments on the school forum.
They've escalated to personal insults and attacks.
Can you just ignore that?" Hannah turned away, starting to say, "This is my issue, Mr.
Mitchell.
But Bryson cut her off, "It's my issue too.
I know you didn't want to escalate things because they're just students.
You wanted to give them a chance.
But did they offer you the scourtesy?" Hannah met his intense gaze and found herself at a loss for words.
's BunnyBookery At that moment, the principal spotted her outside the school and hurried toward her.
"Miss Moore! Miss Moore!" he called out anxiously.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"The forum's issues are partly the school's fault too.
We didn't intervene in time.
With so many students being detained, it could tarnish the school's reputation, and explaining this to the parents will be difficult.
Then, softening his tone, he added, "Professor Campbell also teaches at our school.
For his sake, could you please help minimize the fallout from this incident?" Although the principal was subtle, it was clear he hoped Hannah would not press the matter further.
Just as Hannah was about to respond, Bryson interjected sharply, "Are you trying to emotionally manipulate the victim? You admit the school mishandled things.
I forgot something- I should not only sue the students but also your school.
" Hannah gently nudged his arm with her elbow, signaling him to tone down his aggression.
"Mr.
Ramsey didn't mean that," she said calmly.
"He didn't anticipate this situation.
It's not necessary to blhim entirely.
Encouraged by Hannah speaking up for him, the principal saw an opportunity to appeal further.
"Ms.
Moore, I understand you've been deeply affected by this issue.
The responsible students will receive demerits, and those who have egregiously crossed the Line will remain under observation at the school.
The law can not be enforced when everyone is an offender.
Please, could you consider giving them another chance?" Bryson scoffed, his expression icy.
"You acknowledge her suffering, yet you have the audacity to ask her for leniency.
The law can not be enforced when everyone is an offender? Do you believe their errors can simply be erased?" He nodded with a hint of menace.
"That's interesting.
" The principal shuddered, sensing a deeper, more ominous implication in Bryson's tone.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHannah, catching on to Bryson's intent and sensing his darker inclinations coming to the fore, turned to the principal and stated, “I won't unnecessarily complicate things for them.
The principal exhaled in relief at her words, but his respite wase sport-lived. Bryson's cold voice cut through the air once more.
"However, I will not let the instigators off the hook.
" After his suggestion, he turned and opened the car door for Hannah.
"Get in the car.
We'll go to the police station together.
" Looking at the open door, Hannah shook her head.
"I'd better take my own car.
It's more comfortable," she replied and walked toward Dotson.
Bryson, unfazed, smiled casually and shut the door.
The principal felt a twinge of nervousness, but his main concern now was not the students already on ew their way to the police station.
He needed to manage the school's public image and ensure that then ensure controversial posts were deleted from the forum.