A Second Life, A New Power novel Chapter 193

Demi whipped a thick stack of books across, slapping it right onto Joseph's face.

"What's so funny? You got something to say? Now get my desk cleaned up, and do it fast!" she snapped, her tone icy.

Joseph—clearly stunned—yelped in pain, instinctively clutching his burning cheek as he stared at her in disbelief.

"What's going on here?" Rebecca's high, shrill voice cut through the chaos as she stepped in front of her nephew.

Demi's eyes burned with controlled fury. "Ms. Pope, you told me to leave, but I need to salvage my books and supplies first—before some vindictive jerk can dump more soda on them. My hands can only do so much, so come on, Joseph. Help me clean up my desk!"

It wasn't that Demi was being overdramatic. Growing up, she'd fought tooth and nail for every chance to learn.

Her adoptive family had barely scraped by, and when her grandmother took her in, schooling was a luxury she clung to like life itself. Seeing her cherished books and notes treated like trash was more than enough to set her blood boiling.

"Get out of here!" Rebecca roared, trembling with anger as she pointed furiously toward the back door.

With that, Demi hefted the stack of books and stormed out of the classroom. Meanwhile, her desk was left in shambles, with garbage piled high and sticky soda stains still fresh on her chair.

Back outside, whispers exploded in the school's group chats

"Did you see that? Demi just got her books smashed across Joseph's face!"

"Who does she think she is? She's actually messing with Ms. Pope's nephew on day one!"

"Demi is done for. Everyone knows the math teacher is a total snob. She loves the rich and despises the poor. And now, she's going after Demi for hitting her precious nephew?"

"It's funny how she acts like she's better than everyone. Wasn't she poor too?"

"Remember that poor kid, Vanessa Todd, who got flamed into transferring? I bet Demi's headed down the same road!"

"Wait… who's Vanessa?"

"Vanessa? She was dirt poor but the smartest in her grade. Then, Rebecca started humiliating her daily until she broke down and left."

"I heard she developed PTSD. She can't even look at a math book without panicking."

"Why?"

"Some say it's because she never gave Rebecca a gift. Apparently, the teacher would 'casually' mention how grateful students should show their appreciation. Everyone else caught on, but Vanessa never brought anything."

...

Demi was completely unaware that many students were secretly sympathizing with her and predicting her eventual expulsion.

Instead, she was lost in thought.

She hadn't expected Moran Academy, such a prestigious institution, to have a teacher like Rebecca.

She had assumed only small, backwater towns like Lindton would tolerate teachers like Rebecca.

With a quiet sigh, she stacked her books on the windowsill, then pulled out her middle school math textbook, flipping through it with full focus.

...

As soon as the bell rang, Rebecca stormed out of the front door, dragging Joseph and his gang with her.

Turning sharply, she glared at Demi, her tone sharp and impatient.

"That Pitt girl—whatever your name is—come with me to Mr. Stronghold's office!"