"I don't think so." The sharp voice cut through the tension like a knife.
All heads turned to see a tall, distinguished man striding toward us. His tailored suit and commanding presence immediately changed the atmosphere.
I recognized him instantly—the district superintendent.
Headmaster Gordon's face drained of color. "Mr. Barnes! I didn't know you were visiting today."
"Clearly," the superintendent replied coldly. He surveyed the scene with calculating eyes. "Conrad Thornton called me directly. Something about blatant corruption and abuse of power at one of my schools?"
Mrs. Langley stepped forward, ready to spin her tale. "Sir, there's been a misunderstanding—"
"Save it," he cut her off with a raised hand. "I've already reviewed the security footage."
My eyebrows shot up. "I thought there weren't any cameras monitoring the students?"
