Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1182

Vera's expression grew darker. It was impossible that Zoey hadn't caught her veiled threat.

Her tone hardened as she said, "There's no need to escalate this matter so much. I'm fine with an apology, but expulsion is too extreme. It's just a petty altercation between children. Expelling someone over such a trivial matter would only make people think Gracewood Women's Academy is blowing things out of proportion.

"Mrs. Prince, if you won't think of your own daughter, at least consider the academy's reputation. If word gets out that my daughter was expelled over this, it will only damage the academy's standing."

Her earlier threat to Zoey had now subtly shifted to threatening the academy itself.

Carissa's smile was cold and dismissive. "If we don't expel Ms. Quinton for hitting another student, that will be what damages the academy's reputation. We invited you here to handle this matter with some dignity, Mrs. Quinton.

"Those who need to apologize and make amends should do so, and the situation should be explained so that both families don't hold grudges because of the children's actions. But the expulsion is non-negotiable. If you're unwilling to have your daughter leave voluntarily, I will take the responsibility of seeing that she's removed."

Vera dared not openly argue with Carissa.

So instead, she turned to the other teachers and asked, "All of you are supposed to be role models. Surely, you can overlook a small mistake from a student?"

Rosalind's response was unwavering, "I insist on her expulsion. It was only due to the intervention of Mrs. Ashford and Lady Carissa that Ms. Quinton was given the opportunity to leave with some dignity."

Catherine waved her hand. "Just have her withdrawn. Arguing further will only upset everyone."

Vera shot Rosalind a sharp glare. According to the students, it was Rosalind who first brought up the expulsion, while the others merely agreed.

Who didn't know about what happened between the Young family and the Farrell family? Any attempts to conceal it were futile.

Thomas truly didn't fancy Rosalind—after all, who in the Young family these days could hold things together? They were no longer as influential as they once were, and all they had left was their reputation.

The Quinton family controlled the Civil Department. If it hadn't been for Victoria's interference and Carissa's timely intervention, Thomas might have already sent a proposal of his own to the Quinton family for Jocelyn's hand in marriage.

Vera believed that the Farrell family's initial refusal was because Alice didn't understand the benefits of political connections. However, Thomas couldn't possibly be unaware of it. For a military officer to become a renowned general with great influence, they would need strong support from powerful officials in the court.

A strategic marriage alliance was the most practical way to secure such ties.

Besides, this was a good chance to teach Courtney a lesson. When one was in the right and the other party was being unreasonable, one shouldn't back down, not even an inch.

"I won't apologize! She insulted me first!" Jocelyn said, sobbing.

Well aware of her daughter's stubborn nature, Vera wasn't surprised. She would never give in so easily.

Attempting a softer approach, Vera turned to Zoey and asked, "You're really not going to let this go, are you? You won't even show any respect to the Quinton family?"

"My daughter was struck. No amount of respect matters now. Besides, you don't even speak for the Quinton family. If you want me to show respect for the Quinton family, you should have the family head come here and speak to me," Zoey responded coldly.

Furious, Vera snapped, "Why must you make this so difficult for everyone? My daughter is already leaving. What more do you want?"

"An apology!" Zoey demanded, her voice rising.