“It’s an easy question. Was it always to be the principal of a school? Because your dad was? And your grandpa?”

“Yes. Wilmont has always been my birthright.” He cleared his throat, shifting on his feet. “Though, at your age I wanted to be president,” he said. “Or a senator.”

I huffed, wondering how he’d lost the aspirations and knowing he’d be horrible at democracy. Not with the way he ran this school—like a tyrant.

“It’s not too late,” he said. “I could run for mayor. Governor. But Wilmont is too important to me.”

“Right,” I said. “The power you wield here, it means something. Out there?” I jerked my head to indicate the real world outside the school. “Wouldn’t be nearly as much.”

He stiffened, narrowing his gaze. “I’ve prepared a slew of visual evidence to go along with whatever admission of guilt you have prepared,” he said. “It will be as jarring on the projector screens as—”

“As your abstinence video was?” I cut him off, no longer caring about formalities. He was going for the hurt, and I was beyond over it.

“…as on a small screen,” he continued like I hadn’t spoken. He yanked the door open, his arm extended for me to lead the way. “And don’t you worry,” he said, stopping me when I hit the entryway. “Your boyfriend already paid his little sister’s debt for that stunt she pulled at the assembly.”

“What?” I snapped, glancing up at him.

Tessa had planted the video? And he had proof? Enough to force Dean to…

Omigod.

That’s why he’d searched for me. Found me.

For Tessa.

“In case you were feeling like I was singling you out for justice,” he said, stepping out of my way.

“Oh no,” I said. “I know very well how many students you’ve manipulated over the years. Threats for favors. All to keep you on your imagined throne.” Anger swarmed my blood. “Someday, Tanner,” I whisper-hissed, “I’ll laugh as your character is brought to light.”

I walked out of the office and around the corner, fully exposed to the thousands of eyes staring. Halting at the steps that would carry me up the stage, I took a breath and scanned the crowd.

Hannah and Jake sat together, next to my parents. They were behind Ms. Howard and who I assumed was the board in the front row, because Hannah’s mom was seated in the middle of them. Hannah shaped her hand into the universal I love you symbol, and I flashed her a soft smile. She’d hugged me and cursed at me when I’d told her everything—her only anger stemming from the fact that I’d kept a secret from her—but she supported me nonetheless. Jake followed, naturally.

I was lucky.