There were just too many people. Principal Francis, Martha, and a few other teachers had no choice but to step out and try to keep order.
But Leslie's eyes darted around, clearly plotting something.
"Wait, Principal Baker, Ms. Elwood, Mr. Dale, I actually have an idea. I mean, Mr. Parker taking on a student? That's huge. If no one witnesses it, people will call it fake. So I think I'll let a few classmates come in and watch me paint, that way no one questions it later."
As she spoke, Leslie's gaze landed on Emily.
Emily shrank back instinctively.
Just that look from Leslie felt like it came from a queen looking down on her subjects-full-on pressure.
Once the teachers nodded in agreement, Leslie shut the studio door and then called out in her clear, confident voice, "Any
