Monday. 6:12 p.m.
Alex sat in the back of the Mercedes.
City lights sliding past.
Phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
Text: You think this ends here?
He opened it.
Photo attached.
Ms. Nowakowska at her desk.
After.
Dress disheveled.
Face flushed.
Envelope in hand.
Caption:
I have proof too.
Alex smiled.
Small.
Cold.
Typed back.
Send it.
See what happens.
No reply.
He pocketed the phone.
Looked out the window.
The teacher thought she had leverage.
She didn't.
He'd already transferred another five thousand to her account.
Anonymous.
With a note:
For silence.
She'd keep it.
She'd stay quiet.
Teachers always did when the price was right.
He opened his laptop.
Checked the dashboard.
Latest chapter stats: engagement steady.
Power stones climbing.
He started the next draft.
The protagonist's quiet observation turned into quiet elimination.
Clean.
Calculated.
Published at 8:03 p.m.
Comments rolled in.
The story moved.
He closed the laptop.
