Calculated Tears

Chloe stared back, her lips trembling in shock.

Harper's tone made it clear she was done with negotiation.

"But they're so young," Chloe pleaded softly, her eyes filling with tears. "Can't you let it go this once? If their classmates hear about this, they'll be humiliated for years to come."

"What of it?" Harper replied without looking up. "Perhaps they deserve to be."

Chloe fell silent, words fai