Having indulged in more than enough coffee, Robert finally called it a day. Donning his hat, he addressed Eric, "Mr. Johnson, while you might not care about him, I must show him some respect. I apologize for any inconvenience over the past couple of days."Eric responded with a smile. "No worries. There's plenty of good tea to go around."With that, Robert left, and Eric and Sylvia clocked out. As they got into the car, Sylvia voiced her concern. "I have a feeling Donald won't give up easily.""Of course not," Eric replied, starting the car. "Robert spent the entire afternoon here, putting on a show for Donald. We didn't agree to his demands, so now he's sent Robert to investigate problems with the Innova Group. This is just the beginning."Sylvia nodded firmly. "We mustn't yield to him!"When they arrived home and parked the car, they saw Ruth and Amelia returning with Yvette. Sylvia was utterly stunned. She knew her mother had a particular dislike for Ruth, yet there they were
Lora’s name flashed just as Eric was about to make a call. It wasn't about anything else—just this issue. Not only did Yvette’s kindergarten face this issue, but even Cody and Max's primary school faced it!Naturally, the task fell squarely on Lora’s shoulders."Don’t worry," Eric said, sensing the urgency in Lora’s voice. "I’ll look into this."Lora felt reassured by these simple words. She had indeed received the ridiculous consent form but had withheld it, neither distributing it to students nor informing parents to sign. She knew this wasn’t something that could be done.What did "voluntary" even mean in this context? If signing the form was required, could it still be considered voluntary? Moreover, could students and parents truly act voluntarily under such circumstances? Most likely, they would be pressured from all sides.Consider the issue of schooling, for example. Refuse to sign? Fine. But don’t expect your child to be treated fairly at school. Refuse, and your child ha
Sylvia picked up the paper and saw that it was the same consent form Yvette had brought home yesterday for signing.At that moment, several other parents arrived as well. They hadn't signed the forms, which was why they had been called in.These parents were not as courteous as Sylvia and Eric. They immediately questioned what their children had done wrong.One woman, hands on her hips, came forward and demanded, "Ms. Talapia, what on earth are you doing? My son is so young, and you’re asking him to donate his organs? Does he even understand what organ donation means?"Oh, they don't understand, so you push the responsibility onto the parents? My son came here to study, not to supply you with organs!"How can you, as a principal, not consider the children’s well-being? Asking children to donate organs? Why don’t you donate yours? Why don’t you get your whole family to donate theirs?"She unleashed her anger, her words sharp and fast, almost overwhelming. In the past, people might
She stormed in with a group of parents, demanding resolution. This matter couldn't be brushed aside—it required an outcome, or it would escalate.Lina was equally distressed. This directive from above insisted that all parents must sign. If they refused, the school must create circumstances that would compel them to comply. Naturally, the pressure would fall on the children. In a school, what leverage did one have over parents if not their kids?Eric and Sylvia left as well. There was nothing more to discuss amidst the uproar. No one was willing to sign, as it concerned their children’s well-being.If one thought about it in the worst way, signing today might mean something terrible happening to the kids tomorrow. Then someone might come around with consent forms, demanding their organs. This was not an impossible scenario.Eric’s mind wandered to darker possibilities—if such conditions existed and he needed an organ to save his own life, he might resort to the same measures. M
The meeting commenced with much fanfare. The speaker on stage was fervent and impassioned, but the parents seated below were fighting off drowsiness.Ordinarily, they might have shown some respect, given that he was someone authoritative. However, now that their children's futures were at stake, patience was wearing thin.The speech was long-winded and tedious, extolling the virtues of the proposal without offering much substance. When the speech finally ended, volunteers began distributing consent forms to the parents.Eric glanced at the form and stood up, declaring, "We can consider signing, but have signed for your own children? And what about the children of employees and figureheads from the agencies in Salt City? Have they signed too?"Eric was known for taking drastic measures. When Salt City introduced pre-packaged meals, he ensured that those responsible ate the meals themselves for several days. Many couldn't stomach it and claimed the stuff was inedible. Occasional cons
Robert was a formidable presence, but Eric was even more intimidating.The staff understood that Robert's authority largely came from Eric, though they were unaware of Eric's exact background—only that it was exceptionally powerful. The previous mayor, returning from a meeting at Nutikiville's reservoir, had openly admitted that Eric had reprimanded him, leading to a profound epiphany. Anyone who dared to scold the mayor must be someone of immense influence. Some, unafraid of causing trouble, followed Eric and Robert straight to the mayor's office, curious to witness the commotion.Donald personally came out to greet them. "Hahaha! Mr. Johnson, I heard birds chirping melodically this morning. It turns out it was an omen of your arrival!"Eric remained silent.Robert, his face stern, took out a document from his briefcase and placed it in front of Donald. "Mr. Ford, I heard that this proposal was your idea and that you are implementing it across all of Salt City?"Donald was ca
The onlookers dispersed only after the secretary closed the door. Everyone knew that something significant had occurred—Donald had been assaulted. Such an event seemed almost impossible, but it had indeed happened, and everyone had witnessed it.Donald, furious, dabbed at the blood on his head with a piece of tissue. "Inform everyone that this incident is not to be spoken of!"Although he didn't specify the consequences of leaking the information, everyone was well aware of what they might be. Dismissal was out of the question. Once you’ve held this position, letting it go is almost impossible, unless they voluntarily gave it up.The secretary returned, still pale.Donald's anger hadn't abated. "These rich folks are truly arrogant! And that Wilson fella—he’s also involved in this nonsense! I suspect he’s taken Eric’s money!"The secretary, however, couldn't agree. "Commissioner Wilson is a native of Salt City. I've heard his backing is formidable. About a year ago, he had an oppor
Sylvia had already returned to the office. "I thought you were going to stay with Donald for a while."Eric snorted. "What’s the point? He was the one pushing things, so I punched him out of anger. Even then, I didn’t feel any better!"Sylvia smiled gently. She didn't say anything, but she might have wanted to punch Donald too. The man was infuriating.After a moment of thought, Sylvia added, "By the way, Sam and Izzie are still here. It seems a few key technical talents from their team have been poached."The father and daughter duo were formerly responsible for the operations at the chip technology company Frontier Digital.Years ago, the entire Hampton family and Frontier Digital relocated from Volpolis to Salt City, with the Hamptons overseeing the move. Given their expertise, it made sense to entrust them with such responsibilities.Over the past few years, the Hamptons had performed admirably, providing substantial support to the Innova Group. In turn, the company had heavi