A slow, deliberate knock echoed against the office door, cutting through the tense silence like a blade. Everyone inside paused, their gazes shifting warily toward the entrance.
Principal Harris wiped his damp forehead with a trembling handkerchief, already feeling a bad premonition crawling up his spine.
The door creaked open, and in stepped a tall man dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, a sleek leather briefcase in hand.
His sharp features and piercing eyes commanded the room without saying a word.
Gasps rippled through the teachers.
"Mr. Grifford…?" Principal Harris's voice faltered, his face draining of color. His knees nearly buckled beneath him as he stepped forward, forcing a weak smile.
"W-what a surprise, Mr. Richard Grifford. Please, please have a seat." He hastily pulled out a chair, wiping his forehead again, unable to hide his nervousness.
