Graeme initially had no intention of getting involved in the dispute, but Kate's words were too offensive to ignore. Unable to hold back, he spoke up, subtly indicating his support for Peyton.
"Kate, why are you resorting to name-calling?" he questioned.
Kate, undaunted, held her head high, her elegant neck connecting to her delicate chin. She displayed an attitude of pride and innocence, as if she had done nothing wrong.
The principal, with his meaty hands, slammed his desk and leaned forward, exuding an authoritative presence.
"Exactly, Kate, you are being too insolent. Using foul language in front of me!" he admonished.
Kate remained unapologetic. "What does it matter if I use foul language? She's the thief crying 'Stop thief'. Why can't I call her out?"
Meanwhile, Peyton, teary-eyed, snuggled up to Graeme, feeling wronged and seeking his support.
"Kate, you said I was the thief crying 'Stop thief'. Do you have any evidence? I have the receipt from when you bought the alcohol with your name on it, and the owner can testify."
With all the pieces of the puzzle, including witness testimony, material evidence, and a clear motive, everyone now seemed to believe that Kate was lying.
The office door remained ajar, and a sweet and melodious voice came from the hallway, saying, "You need evidence? I have it!"
Soon after, a series of slightly crisp and regular sounds echoed as a woman wearing a striking red, irregular-length dress entered. She was adorned with a pair of red, pointed-toe high-heeled shoes. The observers in the hallway were captivated by her beauty. People in the office were similarly entranced as her chestnut hair cascaded down her back, contrasting with the fiery red dress. She passed through their line of sight, enchanting everyone with her presence.
Once she passed, people were left in awe, their attention riveted to the spectacular vision.
Still in the office, all eyes were on the enigmatic woman who had suddenly entered. They were transfixed, until the striking sound of a slap awakened them from their reverie. Peyton had been slapped before she even realized the newcomer's identity.
Peyton touched her face, rubbing the spot where she'd been struck. She looked at the captivating woman before her, who appeared to be around her age but was blessed with exceptional beauty. Envious, resentful, and shocked, Peyton couldn't help but compare herself to this remarkable stranger.
The slap hurt, and it made her feel more insignificant than ever.
Graeme, displeased, turned his attention back to Peyton. "Who are you? Why did you hit her? Isn't that going too far?"
In response, the newcomer, Cheyenne, delivered a second crisp slap, although with a little less force.
Then came another loud, resonant "smack."
People outside the office, who had been sneakily eavesdropping, couldn't contain their curiosity any longer. They left their books behind and crept toward the principal's office, peering in like secret agents, only showing their inquisitive eyes.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: She Became Rich After Divorce (Cheyenne and Kelvin)