CHAPTER 24

That was how ordinary people viewed him. In reality, Jim was a man who operated in the gray area between the lawful and unlawful worlds. He took on cases that others were too afraid to touch as they would involve the dirtiest of situations. Even the top bosses in the criminal underworld showed him respect. They would address him as Mr. Carter and send him gifts on holidays.

Furthermore, Jim's mysterious and powerful personal background added to the fear people had of him. There were rumors that he was the prince of the underworld and his father was the leader of the largest criminal organization in Southeast Ardon. However, whether this was true or not remained unknown to outsiders.

Once, someone attempted to investigate Jim's background after he handled a murder case. Not only did they fail to find anything, but they also found themselves in trouble.

Jim thought, An anonymous friend? When Jim heard that, his hand that was holding a pen paused, and he lifted his head. Yves. He wondered, Is she Yves' friend? Why does she sound so young? Yves was not his real name and no one knew what his real name was. He had earned this nickname over time due to his status and the need for discretion. Jim could not neglect a friend of Yves, so he asked, "Where are you? Are you in the country or abroad? I will arrange for someone to come immediately."

Hedy replied, "I am in the country. Specifically Helios District of Norwood City."

"I happened to come here on a business trip two days ago, and I was about to leave. Give me your exact location, and I will come right away. Send me the relevant information too, and I will familiarize myself with the situation on the way."

"I am at Norwood High, but I don't have any information." Hedy glanced at the school leaders, who had unpleasant expressions on their faces, and continued calmly, "I am with the defendants."

Norwood High? A high school?

The defendants?

"If you're unsafe, I can send more people over."

Considering his profession and the fact that the other party is a friend of Yves, Jim would never have thought that his client was facing a few school leaders who posed no danger and had no combat power.

Hedy replied, "It's fine."

Jim said, "Tell me the specifics first."

Hedy calmly explained, "Slander, defamation, threats, and damage to personal reputation. I am the plaintiff, and the defendants are the school leaders of Norwood High."

This was the first time Jim had taken on such a case.

A case as trivial as this would never reach his law firm, and he would never personally handle it. However, the fact that the other party was a friend of Yves changed everything.

"Okay, remember to be safe. Don't argue with them unnecessarily before I arrive. You have the right to remain silent." Jim glanced at his watch. "I will try to arrive within 45 minutes." He then instructed his assistant to drive faster.

"Hedy, have you lost your mind? I think you've watched too many gangster movies and are crazed."

The homeroom teacher looked at Hedy as if she were insane. She thought that Hedy either had a brain injury from the fall or had driven herself crazy with her low moods, so that was why she was imitating movie plots.

"Bringing a mobile phone to school shows that you don't take school rules seriously. This time, I need to have a serious talk with your parents." The homeroom teacher once again attempted to snatch the phone.

Hedy effortlessly grabbed the teacher's hand and twisted it, causing the teacher to cry out in pain.

Everyone present was startled.

"Hedy, what are you doing? Are you going to attack your teacher? Let go of her now! You're completely out of control." The math teacher intervened.

Hedy pushed her away and said, "From now on, we are in a plaintiff-defendant relationship. Put away your authoritative attitude as school leaders and wait quietly for the lawyer to arrive. That way, you will all be safe."

It seemed like a reminder, but it was actually a warning.

The homeroom teacher stumbled a few steps backward, turned around, and glared furiously at Hedy.

"Hedy, I think you've lost your mind."

Everyone thought Hedy was crazy.

"You can choose to call the police, or I can do it for you." After she said this, Hedy dialed 911 in front of them.

No one believed that the person on the previous call was a lawyer, let alone that Hedy could really bring someone over.

However, the 911 call was real.

It would be serious if the police showed up at the school.

Upon hearing that the police were coming, the principal's face immediately turned dark. He stood up abruptly and threatened, "If you continue causing trouble, I will expel you!"

He then instructed the homeroom teacher, "Ms. Turner, call her parents immediately."

Before the homeroom teacher could notify Hedy's parents, an unexpected guest arrived at the principal's office.

The door to the principal's office was slightly ajar, so the newcomer swiftly walked in. "Why are there so many people here? What kind of meeting is this?"

The principal looked up, and his expression changed. He hurriedly approached the newcomer, more excited than if he had seen his own father. "Oh, Mayor Foster, what brings you here?" He almost jogged over to Timothy to shake his hand.

Unexpectedly, Timothy Foster did not shake his hand. Like a gust of wind, he walked past the principal and quickly approached Hedy. "Miss Thorn."

Hedy watched as Timothy approached her, his face beaming like a sunflower. After that, he extended both hands toward her.

She glanced down at his hands but did not shake them.

Timothy did not mind. He withdrew his hands, but his smile remained as he introduced himself to Hedy. "Miss Thorn, my name is Timothy Foster, and I am the mayor of Norwood City."

Hedy was in a bad mood. So, she only gave him a glance but did not pay much attention to him.

Timothy's sudden arrival surprised and delighted everyone present. They had not expected to see him, and his almost flattering address of Miss Thorn left them bewildered.

Timothy's attitude towards Hedy shocked them even more. They were utterly astounded and had no idea what was going on.

"Mayor Foster, do you… do you know this student?" The principal had a bad feeling about this. His heart skipped a beat, and he started panicking a little.

Timothy replied, "Miss Thorn is a distinguished guest of my family."

The principal was dumbfounded, and his mind buzzed. "What?"

The homeroom teacher said, "Hedy Thorn? Her? Mayor Foster, you're not joking with us. Hedy's family lives in the old city, and her parents are farmers. How could she be…"

Timothy's brows furrowed slightly as he expressed his displeasure. "Do you think I wouldn't know? I'm not so old and senile that I would mistake someone."

"I… I didn't mean that. It's just that she…" The homeroom teacher was taken aback and quickly explained, casting an incredulous glance at Hedy.

The principal was quick to react, so he swiftly changed the topic, "Mayor Foster, it's such an unexpected honor to have you visit our school. Can we do anything for you? Just let us know, and we at Norwood High will do our utmost to fulfill them."

Timothy cleared his throat, mindful of his position. "The college entrance examination is approaching, so I'm here to show my concern for the students who are about to take the exam."

The principal immediately began to flatter him. "Mayor Foster, we are so fortunate to have you in Norwood City. Our students would be overjoyed if they knew…"

Timothy ignored the flattery.

"I overheard that you were planning to expel Miss Thorn when I came in," Timothy gestured.

The school leaders he pointed at all lowered their heads and recoiled.

The principal hastily explained, "It's a misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding."

"Yes, yes, just a misunderstanding…" the math teacher echoed, swallowing nervously.

"Hmph," Hedy sneered.

Timothy immediately furrowed his brows.