Page 112 of Educating Arrogant Mr. Hunter

Joanna Morgan held up a book I immediately recognized. “Then can you tell us how that rule came to be? It’s right here in the staff handbook on page forty-nine.” I sent silent thanks to her and her foresight to have the manual handy while I also wondered how she got her hands on one to begin with.

Silence descended over the space. All of us were dying to know how this unexpected twist came to be.

The Chairperson pursed his lips. “It is with heartfelt apology to our parents and staff that incorrect information has been disseminated to you. Mr. Olsen has taken it upon himself to adjust and add to the bylaws and school rules as he saw fit. Due to that and his recent behavior, we have decided to release him from his contract as of today.”

Murmurs quickly rose up from the crowd surrounding us.

“Holy shit,” Beckett said.

“So that means we—”

“Are not in violation,” Beckett said with a huge grin on his face.

Zoey let go of my hand. She jumped up and down and screamed in happiness. She was the physical embodiment of the incredible sense of gratitude and joy coursing through every part of me.

I sagged against Beckett, and he quickly put his arm around me. “I, uh, wow. I’m not sure what I expected, but thank you again.” I directed that last statement to the Board members as they slowly filtered out of the open doorway.

“When will you appoint a new principal?” Joanna asked.

“Not immediately. I will act in a temporary capacity until a suitable candidate can be found. We will not make the decision lightly and wish to ensure the best-qualified candidate will be chosen.”

I tuned out the rest of the conversation Joanna had with the Chairperson and snuggled into Beckett’s embrace. There were no words or actions that seemed completely appropriate to show my crowd of supporters the depth of my appreciation.

Mr. Parsons made his way over to us. He shook my hand. “Congratulations, Wren.”

“I’m still in shock,” I admitted honestly.

“I bet. We would have likely been out here with a decision sooner but we had one hold out.” His gaze narrowed as Virginia London slinked out of the door.

Holy crap!What was she doing here?

Mr. Parsons rolled his eyes and congratulated us again before disappearing into the crowd to look for his family.

Mrs. London gave me a distasteful sneer and harrumphed as she passed us. I had no idea she was even on the Board, but it didn’t surprise me that she’d been the hold out against reinstating my contract.

“How do you think Principal Olsen will take the news of getting fired?” Ana asked gleefully, a mischievous tone lacing her words.

“Probably not well,” I guessed. The man was a narcissistic asshole, and I was grateful to see him removed from his position. “Where have you been?”

She waved her hand toward the window facing the courtyard. “Out there, keeping the crowd in check. My sister, Elsie, also posted in support of you on her social media.”

Heat rose in my cheeks. “Please tell her thank you for me.”

“Of course.” Ana smiled. “You can thank her yourself. Beckett and I pulled together a dinner for a small group of us and your friends who want to celebrate your success. She’ll be there.”

“I’d love that.” I slipped my arm around Beckett’s waist. Today was turning out to be so much more than I expected. I was excited to celebrate one of the best moments in my life with those closest to me. Today marked the day I was able to hold on to the career that saved meandI could openly acknowledge two of the most important people in my life.

I pulled Zoey to my side and the three of us walked out of the building together, ready to mark the official start of our new life.

Chapter Twenty Seven

BECKETT

Islid my arms around Wren as we watched Zoey race to the large slide that looked like a snowy mountain in a Winter wonderland. It was Friday night, and the Winter Festival was in full swing.

“I still can’t believe I got my job back,” Wren murmured.

I kissed the top of her head. “I can.”

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