I didn't bother responding. People like Marcus—nothing I said would change his stubborn mind. I stood, heading for the flags.
"Wait!" He blocked my path, malice on his face. "Don't rush off. I've got something to show you."
He pulled out his phone, fingers swiping, then shoved the screen in my face.
I froze.
On the screen—a photo, clearly taken secretly. It caught the moment the Rolls-Royce door swung open, Silas inside, me bending down holding Olei as we got in.
Seeing my face go pale, Marcus continued smugly. "There's more."
He swiped. Another photo appeared. This one worse—me and Silas kissing at the school gate. Definitely Photoshopped. The editing was crude, but at first glance, shocking.
"You..." I stared at Marcus in disbelief. Why would he do this?
Marcus pocketed his phone, crossing his arms. "Anthea, you know how these elite private schools are. Reputation's everything. If I send these anonymously to the principal, or to the parent committee... think a slut teacher who seduces parents can keep her job?"
"What do you want?" I clenched my fists.
I couldn't lose this job. Couldn't lose time with Olei. Marcus hadn't reported me yet, which meant I had something he wanted. Money?
"Simple. Sleep with me once, and I'll delete everything." Marcus licked his lips, his words revolting. "You know I've always liked you, Anthea. If you can sleep with that rich guy, why not me? I'll make you feel good."
My blood went cold. I never imagined an elementary teacher could say something like that.
"Or you can refuse." He shrugged, voice vicious. "But one tap, and you're done. A teacher having an affair with a student's parent—what school would take you after that?"
"This is fake." I forced myself to stay calm. "This is slander. It's illegal!"
"The school won't care about truth," Marcus sneered. "I've been here five years. I know Higgins. All he fears is trouble. He'll take the fastest route to solve the problem—fire you clean."
I looked at him, ice water pouring over my heart. I barely knew Mr. Higgins. But Marcus had been here so long. What if he was right? What if these photos spread and the school's first move wasn't to verify but to get rid of me?
"So," Marcus's eyes crawled greedily over my chest, "think about it, Anthea. Tonight. Be with me."
His words made me physically sick. Even risking termination, I'd never agree.
"Get lost, you sick bastard!" I cursed, turning away. "Other teachers are right there. Unless you want them to see this side of you, back off."
But he grabbed my wrist, grip painful. "Don't be a bitch about it. Looks like you really wanna get kicked out!"
"The one who needs to get kicked out is you." A voice cut through, laced with lethal authority.
Marcus spun around, releasing me.
Silas walked toward us, backlit, face expressionless, but his eyes churned with killing cold.
"Th—Mr. Thorne?" Marcus stammered. "How—"
Silas didn't answer. He stepped forward, grabbed Marcus by the collar like a kitten, then slammed a fist into his gut, punching the words back down his throat.
"Ah!" Marcus doubled over, howling.
Teachers on the other side looked over, shocked and curious.
Silas didn't stop. Fist after fist, each one loaded.
"Mr. Thorne!"
