Before Mr. Vance could answer, a loud knock echoed at the office door, and a sleek black suit-clad chauffeur opened it wide.
A distinguished older man in a tailored charcoal suit walked into the office, carrying an elegant gold-tipped cane.
Behind him stood two corporate lawyers carrying thick leather document binders.
Mr. Sterling: Did I hear someone offering bribes in my grand-niece's school office?
Principal Harrison immediately stood up from his desk, his jaw dropping in total shock.
Principal Harrison: Mr. Sterling! Sir! We weren't expecting you on campus today!
Mr. Vance: Sterling...? As in... Richard Sterling? The CEO of Sterling Global Holdings?!
Mr. Sterling: That is correct, Vance. The man who owns eighty percent of the land your corporate office sits on.
Chloe looked confused, pulling on her father's sleeve.
Chloe: Dad, who is this old guy?
Mr. Vance: Shut up, Chloe! Be quiet right now!
Mr. Sterling ignored Mr. Vance completely, walking straight over to Maya and kneeling down beside her sofa with deep concern in his eyes.
Mr. Sterling: Maya, my dear child... are you alright? I received an automated alert from the school security system ten minutes ago.
Maya: Uncle Richard... I'm okay... my cheek just hurts a little bit...
Chloe: Uncle Richard?! Wait... she called him UNCLE?!
Mr. Sterling gently touched Maya's shoulder, his face darkening with intense anger as he saw the bright red handprint on her face.
Mr. Sterling: Who did this to my brother's daughter?
Ethan: Chloe Vance did it, sir. Right in the middle of the cafeteria.
Mr. Sterling slowly stood up, turning to face Mr. Vance and Chloe, his aura cold and terrifying.
Mr. Sterling: You called her a nameless foster orphan, didn't you?