Page 73 of My Forbidden Billionaire

Ms. Abadie looks like a deer caught in headlights. “Well, I—I may have overlooked a few staff members. It’s a big school, you know.”

“Overlooked a few staff members?” I scoff. “It seems to me like you’ve been deliberately neglecting your duties, Ms. Abadie.”

She bristles at my accusation. “How dare you! I have been working at this school for fifteen years, and I have always taken my responsibilities seriously. If anything, I deserve a promotion.”

She stares at the Headmaster and then at Josephine, clearly dumbfounded by how swiftly this situation went from being her greatest victory to her worst nightmare.

Headmaster Thornton shakes his head in disbelief. “As the head of this institution, I take the proper dissemination of our policies very seriously. It is unacceptable that Miss Andrews did not receive a copy of our staff handbook from you. I cannot, in good conscience, hold her accountable for violating a policy she never received.”

I let out a sigh of relief.

It seems that justice has prevailed, for now at least.

“That said, I am concerned about the accusations I’ve heard today about your conduct, Ms. Abadie,” he continues. “It seems that there are some serious issues that need to be addressed here.”

Ms. Abadie’s cheeks flush as she crosses her arms over her chest. “I can assure you that all of my actions have been in the best interest of this school and its students.”

“Bullying teachers and trying to ruin careers is not in the best interest of anyone, Ms. Abadie,” I say, my voice stern and unwavering.

Headmaster Thornton nods in agreement. “I think it’s time we take a closer look at Ms. Abadie’s behavior and conduct, and make sure that she is adhering to the principles and values of this institution. Please, Mr. Carlton, take a seat and let’s discuss the events both you and Miss Andrews previously mentioned.”

Ms. Abadie stands up abruptly, her chair screeching across the floor. “You can’t do this to me! This is a witch hunt! You’re all against me!” She snaps.

Amidst her chaotic protest, Ms. Abadie reaches to the desk and grabs a framed photo of Headmaster Thornton and his family off his desk and chucks it across the room at the wall. Everyone is stunned into silence as the frame shatters, and the photo falls to the ground in a pile of broken glass.

Ms. Abadie’s chest heaves up and down as she pants, anger contorting her features. I can see now that she’s not just malicious—she’s unhinged.

I hold my ground, standing between her and Josephine.

Headmaster Thornton’s face has gone red with fury. “That’s it, Ms. Abadie. I’ve seen enough. You’re fired, effective immediately. Security will escort you out of the building.”

Ms. Abadie continues to rage and spout expletives as two burly security officers enter the room and take her by the arms, dragging her out of the office and down the hallway.

As soon as the door slams shut behind them, relief washes over me.

I never want to see that woman again.

Headmaster Thornton clears his throat. “Miss Andrews, I sincerely apologize for accusing you of violating our school policy without a proper investigation.”

Josephine nods her appreciation, a small smile forming on her lips.

“You are free to continue teaching here at our school as long as you uphold our policies,” he says.

“Thank you, Mr. Thornton. I am very passionate about teaching and I want to continue doing my best for the students.”

Headmaster Thornton smiles in response. “I’m glad to hear that, Miss Andrews. It seems you have found a friend here in Mr. Carlton.” He gestures toward me.

I look at Josephine, who’s now standing closely beside me.

“About that, Mr. Thornton,” Josephine says. “I must confess to you that, before I knew it was forbidden to date a parent at Jameson Juniper Hall, I had already developed feelings for Mr. Carlton.”

Headmaster Thornton raises an eyebrow, intrigued. “Is that so, Mr. Carlton? And what do you have to say about this?”

“Yes, it’s true, Mr. Thornton. Miss Andrews—that is to say, Josephine—and I, are in a stable and committed relationship. This is not just some … affair like Ms. Abadie led you to believe. We love each other and I have serious plans to ask Josephine to marry me. That said, I feel rather confident that she’ll become my wife—assuming she says yes of course.”

The Headmaster’s eyes go wide with surprise. I look at Josephine, whose face has turned ghost white—but she’s also giving me the biggest, brightest smile I’ve ever seen.

“Miss Andrews? Is this true?” the Headmaster asks her.

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