Lori's stomach tightened.
"Third rule: do not take it personally. He is not trying to be cruel. He is just... demanding. Perfectionistic. He expects the best because he gives the best."
Brentley leaned back in his chair, rubbing his eyes.
"I cannot believe I finally got some relief," he said, and the exhaustion in his voice was palpable. "The headmaster is an outstanding person, truly. But he can drain you. Super domineering. Demanding. Does not tolerate mistakes."
Lori nodded, her focus already drifting toward the heavy wooden door that separated the outer office from Attia's inner sanctum.
"He's not a bad man," Brentley added, seeming to sense her apprehension. "Just... intense. Once you earn his respect, he's surprisingly loyal. But earning it is the hard part."
Lori opened her mo
