Chapter 9

I stared at Ms. Cressen, who stood there sweating nervously. Smirking quietly, I decided that I didn’t want a change in my homeroom teacher. I was curious to see how differently she’d treat me, Tanner, and Maisie after this.

Ms. Cressen raised her head. She looked pale, but she said nothing. She’d have to count her blessings if she got to keep her job after this. She regretted cozying up to the wrong person.

“But I understand it’s tough for Ms. Cressen to look after all her students. I’m sure she made an honest mistake,” I spoke up for Ms. Cressen, who probably hated Tanner to the core right now.

As such, I wouldn’t want Herbert to switch her out. Given the wretched things she committed on the job, I knew she would dig her own grave one day even if I didn’t ask my dad to get rid of her.

Ms. Cressen looked up, overjoyed. “Right! I’ll take better care of Pearl after this. Mr. Rosenbloom, don’t worry about it!”

Dad shot her a doubtful look. He picked up on my determination to defend Ms. Cressen, but he wanted to teach her a lesson nonetheless. “Ms. Cressen, do you hold any grudges against my daughter?”

Ms. Cressen looked at Herbert in panic. Herbert was busy serving Dad tea.

She broke out in a cold sweat. “I… Of course not! What makes you say that, Mr. Rosenbloom?”

“If that’s the case, why wasn’t she made valedictorian despite being at the top of the class? I heard that someone named Tanner Rosenbloom took her place instead. Who exactly is he? Is he a relative of yours, Ms. Cressen? If so…”

“No, you misunderstood!” Ms. Cressen explained in a hurry. “I am not related to Tanner in any way. I made him valedictorian… out of pity!”

“Ms. Cressen!” Herbert cut her off sternly. “I thought you described Tanner Rosenbloom as a boy who excelled in his studies and displayed great character. Why pity him? Look, there are plenty of students deserving our sympathy, but that’s not a prerequisite of a valedictorian!”

Chapter 10