[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.
