The next morning, Lucy Walters was called down to the principal’s office. As she walked through the school halls, she forced herself to stay calm, her heart pounding in her chest. She was used to getting what she wanted, but something felt different today.

When she entered the office, the principal, a stern man in his fifties, gestured toward the chair in front of his desk. "Miss Walters, please sit down."

Lucy smiled innocently, slipping into the seat. “Yes, sir.”

The principal didn’t waste time. "We’ve received a serious complaint about you, Miss Walters."

Lucy widened her eyes, acting confused. “Me? I’m a good student, sir. I haven’t done anything wrong.”

The principal's expression remained unchanged. "Then how do you explain the posting of compromising pictures of your classmates?"

Lucy’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself. “Sir, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Without a word, the principal handed her a file, the proof laid out in front of her. "Please stop lying, Miss Walters. We have clear evidence of your actions."

Lucy glanced at the documents, her stomach sinking. She could feel the walls closing in. Shit. What do I do now? she thought, panic creeping in.

The principal leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

Lucy scrambled for a response. “Sir, I’ve been framed. I swear, I don’t know how this happened.”

The principal reached into his pocket and pulled out a voice recorder, placing it on the desk. "Explain this then."

He pressed play, and Lucy’s voice rang out in the small office: Did you do what I asked you to do? I need you to hide the fact I posted those pictures. Do it right now!

The room fell silent. The principal stopped the recording and stared at her, his patience running thin. "Now let’s try this again. Why did you post those pictures?"

Lucy’s eyes filled with fake tears as she tried to regain control of the situation. “Sir… I swear it wasn’t me. Someone is trying to set me up.”

"Your voice was heard loud and clear, Miss Walters," the principal said, his tone final. "I’ll be contacting your parents. We’ll discuss your punishment when they arrive. For now, you are to leave school immediately."

Lucy’s eyes widened in fear. “No, please don’t tell my parents! Can you talk to my aunt instead?”

The principal shook his head. "No. We’re done here. Pack your things and go home. Security will escort you."

Lucy stood up, her face burning with embarrassment as a security guard appeared at the door, ready to lead her out. He escorted her to her classroom to collect her belongings, then walked her to the front gate.

As they walked, Lucy’s thoughts raced. This is so embarrassing! Just wait until I get my revenge. They think they’ve won, but they haven’t. I’ll make Katelyn wish she never messed with me. I always get what I want.

Once outside, Lucy pulled out her phone and dialed her aunt, Mrs. Walters, hoping to salvage something from the situation.

"Hello," her aunt’s voice came over the line.

"Aunt, how much do you love me?" Lucy asked, trying to sound sweet.

Mrs. Walters sighed. "What did you do now, Lucy? I heard you got in trouble with the principal."

"It was just a silly joke," Lucy replied, rolling her eyes. "But everyone’s making it such a big deal."

"I told you to stay out of trouble," Mrs. Walters said, her tone firm. "Does this have anything to do with that boy, Lucas?"

Lucy hesitated. “Maybe. But listen, if they let me stay in school, can you do me a favor?”

Mrs. Walters sighed again, more deeply this time. "What do you want now, Lucy? I can’t risk losing my job."

"I just need you to make me the math club secretary. Please, Auntie," Lucy begged, her voice dripping with false innocence.

After a long pause, Mrs. Walters relented. "Fine. But you’d better not cause any more trouble. Do you understand?"

"I promise, no more trouble," Lucy said quickly, a smile creeping across her face. "Love you bunches, Auntie!"

Mrs. Walters sighed one last time, weary. "I love you too, Lucy."

Lucy hung up, her lips curling into a wicked grin as she put her phone away. Her mind was already scheming, plotting her next move. She wasn’t done yet. Not by a long shot. They think they’ve won. But this game isn’t over. Not until I say it is.