Transmigrated: I Became My Nemesis's Woman novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42: Why did I even consider doing this job

[An hour later]

A heavy sense of dread filled the air inside Daffodil Academy’s principal office.

Xander Emerson showing up unannounced was not something Principal Patrick could avoid. But seeing him sit there, calm and composed, only made it worse.

Did something happen that I don’t know about? was the first thought that crossed Patrick’s mind.

But the moment he looked up and met Xander’s deadpan gaze fixed on him, his throat went dry.

"Mr. Emerson... what a pleasant surprise," Principal Patrick said with an awkward smile.

"...."

The smile died instantly. Because Xander did not react. Not even a twitch.

Principal Patrick had dealt with every member of the Emerson family whose children studied at the academy. They were all difficult in their own ways, and he had mastered the art of polite acting just to survive their visits.

But Xander was different.

The man was like a walking time bomb, silent and unpredictable. His presence alone was enough to make people question their life choices. Among all the Emersons, he held the most authority. Even the elders thought twice before crossing him.

And now he was here, in his office, unannounced.

Patrick resisted the urge to cry. Why is he staring at me like he’s about to peel my skin off? He screamed internally, already regretting every career decision that had led him here.

Across the room, Taylor stood quietly, watching the scene unfold.

He glanced at the beads of sweat forming on the principal’s forehead and almost sighed.

This poor man... he thought. Just a few more years and he could have retired peacefully. What a shame he might get transferred before that.

Meanwhile, Patrick’s mind was spiraling.

Did I expel someone by mistake? Did a teacher complain? Did Leo get into a fight? Oh God, is this about fees? It’s never about fees...

Before he could dig himself deeper into panic, Xander finally spoke.

"I presume Principal Patrick is tired of his job." His deep voice echoed through the room, freezing Patrick in his seat.

Even his thoughts stopped.

Taylor blinked once, then looked away, pressing his lips together to stop himself from reacting.

That... was a direct attack.

Principal Patrick’s soul practically left his body.

"T-tired?" he repeated weakly, forcing out a laugh that sounded more like a cry for help. "N-not at all, Mr. Emerson. I am very passionate about my job. Extremely passionate. In fact, I was just thinking this morning how much I love working here. I might even work another ten years."

Taylor lowered his head slightly. Impressive. The man is fighting for his life with words.

Xander remained unmoved, his gaze steady and unreadable, while Patrick clutched the edge of his desk under it, his fingers trembling.

Why do I feel like I’m being interrogated for a crime I haven’t committed?

Taylor, standing beside Xander, silently offered the principal a moment of sympathy.

Hang in there, he thought. If you survive this meeting, you deserve a promotion. Or therapy. Possibly both.

Principal Patrick swallowed hard, forcing himself to sit a little straighter, as if posture alone could save his career.

"S-so, Mr. Emerson," he began carefully, choosing each word like it might explode, "to what do we owe this... unexpected visit?"

Taylor glanced at him.

Brave. Very brave.

Xander’s fingers tapped once against the armrest of his chair. The sound was soft, but in the suffocating silence, it felt deafening.

"I came to discuss my son."

That was it.

Simple, short, yet terrifying.

Patrick’s mind immediately went into overdrive.

Discussion? What discussion? Good discussion? Bad discussion? Termination-level discussion?

Incidents?! He almost choked.

Which incident? There are too many incidents! Children run, fall, cry... that’s the entire system!

Sandbox... crayon... lunchbox?

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