They applauded her like she had won a prize, yet it didnât feel like a win to her. Natalie knew she was a puppet dancing on someoneâs strings. And she didnât like it one bit.
The charade was over, which meant the cameras had stopped rolling, and Natalie waited right outside the hall for Jameson.
It wasnât long before Jameson arrived, laughing politely at whatever the two board members beside her said. Even her laughter was airy and professional. Jameson was always the picture of poise.
Natalie didnât care that she was with guests, she pushed off the wall and stepped directly into her path.
The board members were startled at her abrupt appearance, their brows drawn in confusion. Jameson, as expected, took charge of the situation.
"Isnât that our new Alpha? Ohâwait, thatâs what the wolves say, right?" Jameson chuckled stiffly. "For humans, we say âPresident,â donât we?"
She looked far too pleased with herself for a line that landed like a wet sock. Natalie just stared at her, deadpan. She was not flattered, nor amused. And she didnât even pretend to be.
"I get it," she said to the board members. "Sheâs still in shock. We didnât tell her about the position until the last minute. Iâd be rattled too if Iâ"
"Is this funny to you?" Natalie cut her off, unamused.
The board members looked deeply uncomfortable now sensing the tension between them. Jameson turned to them with a sweet smile. "Why donât you two head ahead? Iâll catch up shortly."
They left without hesitation.
As soon as they were gone, Jameson focused on her.
"Whatâs the problem, Natalie, dear?" she asked, her tone suddenly flattering. "You did great out there. We even tailored the script to your taste. I donât see anything wrong."
"Do you think Iâm stupid?" Natalie hissed.
Jameson said nothing.
"I get my news too, and I know for a fact that position was supposed to be Violetâs. So tone down the asslicking. Itâs beginning to make my skin crawl."
Jameson was taken aback, silence dawning for a beat. Then Jameson sighed and ran a hand through her sleek hair. When she looked back up, the sugary charm was gone.
"Youâre right. Violet Purple was the original choice."
"Then what changed?"
"The moment Violet bonded with Griffin, the power dynamic shifted. We need someone neutral. Someone not easily influenced by the wolves. Someone on our side. Someone with influence."
"And you picked me." Natalie nodded, tone dry. "Or rather, went through my father."
Jameson didnât deny it.
"The Avax family isnât insignificant," she said. "Unlike Violet, a nobody who got lucky clinging to the Cardinal Alphas, you come from bloodlines that matter. When the fifth house is built, your family name will finally have a place in Lunaris Academy."
Natalie stepped closer until they were eye to eye.
"One day, youâll get whatâs coming to you."
Jameson didnât even blink. The childrenâs threats had long since stopped fazing her. These days, they sounded more like motivational quotes.
Natalie glared hard enough, then turned and began to walk away.
"Where are you going?" Jameson called after her.
"Getting the fuck away from you," Natalie retorted.
"You canât do that. We have lunch to attend."
"I have classes."
"Cancel them," Jameson said. "Your fatherâs waiting. And so is the President."
Natalie froze mid-step. Then turned slowly. "The President?"
Jameson nodded, already walking toward her. "Youâre representing all of humanity now, Natalie. Get used to it." She brushed an invisible dust away from the girlâs shoulder. "We leave in my car. I expect you in ten minutes. Dress like the winner you are."
She brushed past her with her usual superior air and left.
Twenty minutes later....
Natalie sauntered toward the car, entirely unbothered by the sight of Jameson standing beside it with her arms folded and a deep frown carved into her face.
"I said ten," Jameson remarked dryly, pointing out her lateness.
"Not my problem. Now drive."
Jameson bristled at the girlâs attitude. But there was nothing she could do. This was the small price she paid to hold the position she had today. Look at her, having a private meal with the President. How many principals could boast of that?
So yeah, even if it involved playing chauffeur to a spoiled princess, sheâd do it. As long as she kept her job.
Natalie slid into the back seat, and Jameson got in behind the wheel. The ride was tense, awkward, and quiet until Natalie decided to break the silence.
"Iâm curious about something," she said, voice smooth. "How much exactly did Caroline pay you to clear her daughterâs name?"
Jamesonâs gaze didnât shift from the road. "Excuse me?"
Natalie cocked her head. "I mean, donât you find it a little too convenient that Grace suddenly confesses to leaking the sex tape, but sheâs neither arrested for illegal filming. Then sheâs expelled from Lunaris Academy? And yet, somehow, sheâs transferred to another school downtown in the middle of the semester, while Elsie gets the stage to apologize and walks away with community service?" Natalie gave a short, humorless laugh. "You really are proficient at your job, Principal Jameson."
Jameson wasnât rattled. "Elsie is the victim in this scandal and the punishment was appropriate. Caroline and Elsie chose not to press charges, and frankly, I agreed. No need to ruin a young girlâs life. Expulsion was punishment enough. If Grace found another school, well lucky her, donât you think?"
"Hm," Natalie hummed, yet the sound was empty.
There was a pause.
"Although Iâm curious about you too, Natalie," Jameson said, casually.
"Curious about what?" Natalie lifted a brow.
"How do you get your information? If I wasnât so careful, Iâd almost think you were the Oracle. Or..." She paused for suspense.
"...Youâre just close to her. And it wouldnât surprise me at all, considering the kind of details you get."
Their eyes locked through the rearview mirror and the silence between them buzzed.
Then Jameson let out a light and dismissive laugh.
"Or maybe Iâm wrong," she said sweetly. "Who knows?"
Natalieâs lips pressed into a thin, hard line.
That bitch.