?Chapter 349:


    Hurst’s respectful tone toward Maia caused the other parents to gasp in shock. He was allowing her to set the conditions — she must have an incredibly high standing in his eyes.


    The parents felt overwhelmed with regret. They shouldn’t have been so disrespectful to Hurst’s benefactor earlier. Now, they were consumed by regret, wishing they could rewind the clock.


    Maia rose slowly from her seat and spoke calmly. “Mr. Cooper, it’s quite straightforward. I want the students who picked on my brother to apologize to him publicly, in front of all the students and faculty, and swear never to repeat their actions. That shouldn’t be too hard, right?”


    Hurst paused briefly, then quickly replied, “Certainly, that seems just!”


    “Dad!” Mnie was taken aback. Her father had given in so readily. Making a public apology before all the students and teachers to someone from the slums felt like a death sentence to her!


    For Hurst, though, Maia hade to his aid twice, and he had always appreciated it, hoping to return the favor one day. But before he could act, his daughter had openly bullied Maia’s brother.


    It was his shorings as a father that had brought about this predicament, and he felt a deep sense of shame. Whatever Maia requested, he was willing to agree, as long as it was within his power. Yet, her demand was simply for the bullies to apologize openly for their behavior.


    Maia’s kindness left him feeling both humbled and genuinely impressed.


    Hurst nced at Mnie, his face a mix of emotions, his tone heavy with regret. “You made this mistake, and now you have to take responsibility. Follow Ms. Watson’s advice — apologize publicly!”


    Hurst shot a stern look at the other parents and students, then added, “And the rest of you, too!”


    The other parents felt his authority instantly. They hurried forward, bowing and shing uneasy smiles, eager to demonstrate their willingness toply. Their previous arrogance hadpletely vanished.


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    “Ms. Watson, we were foolish and careless before… This was all my son’s doing. We agree to have them apologize publicly to your brother!”


    “Yes, yes, it was just a misunderstanding. We will apologize at once…”


    “Ms. Watson, my son behaved badly. This is my fault as a parent. We will ept whatever punishment you think is appropriate without arguing.”


    Once they expressed their readiness to apologize, the parents started to consider how to actually do it in public. Would they need to assemble the whole school? That felt like a huge overkill.


    At that moment, Maia pulled out her phone, made a few swift motions, and began a live stream. Her tone was steady and clear as she spoke to the crowd.


    “No need to worry. This live stream will go out to every ssroom and anyputer linked to the schoolwork. That way, everyone will see your apologies.”


    The parents shared wary looks. Was that really possible? Even Hurst showed a touch of skepticism.


    In an instant, all the screens in the teachers’ lounge flickered on, and Maia’s live stream popped up on every single one.


    Once again, the audience was left utterly stunned. Quiet murmurs spread as individuals pondered the ease with which Maia had flipped the script.


    Even Hurst’s eyes narrowed, his pupils contracting in shock. Despite years of navigating the cutthroat world of business, he had never witnessed someone handle a crisis quite like this. Astonishment etched itself onto his features as he observed Maia. She appeared much more daunting than he had ever anticipated. What was the true identity of this remarkable woman?


    Then, the live stream initiated.


    Swiftly masking his astonishment, Hurst seized Mnie, positioning her squarely before the camera to deliver an apology to Ethan.


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