Chapter 242 Is This the Education the Hamiltons Are So Proud Of?
Alexander pushed the door open, unable to hold back any longer.
"Mr. Murphy, what you just said was neither fair nor appropriate for a teacher."
Caroline turned around in surprise, and Roy's face darkened instantly.
"How did you get in here? This is the teachers' office! Who gave you permission to barge in?!"
Alexander walked straight to Caroline's side and positioned himself between her and Roy.
He looked up, meeting the eyes of the teacher who towered over him.
"I walked in."
Roy was left speechless. Before he could respond, Alexander continued, "But I want to ask you something. Were those words appropriate to say to a student? Especially to a female student?"
Alexander took a step forward, holding Roy's flustered gaze.
"Caroline used a more advanced problem-solving method. That shows curiosity, initiative, and mathematical talent beyond the typical high school level. Isn't that something a teacher should encourage? Instead, you're using outdated, prejudiced arguments to discourage her and shut down her future."
Roy stepped back, stammering, "I think you misunderstood. What I meant was..."
"I can only go by what I heard," Alexander cut him off.
"Mr. Murphy, as a teacher, you're showing serious gender bias. I think the principal should know about this."
Roy's face went pale as he reached out toward Alexander.
"Don't!"
Alexander had already grabbed Caroline's wrist and was heading for the door.
Alexander pulled Caroline halfway across campus before he heard her breathless voice behind him.
"Alexander... wait... slow down..."
Alexander stopped abruptly, released her hand, and turned around. "Don't listen to that dinosaur! Let him say whatever he wants! If you like math and want to study advanced theory, then do it! Do whatever you want! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!"
Caroline caught her breath. "I know. Thank you for standing up for me."
She paused, her eyes dropping to her wrist.
"But... you're still holding my hand. It hurts a little."
Alexander froze. He looked down and saw a red mark on Caroline's pale wrist.
His eyes stung.
He'd grabbed her wrist countless times in anger, always leaving bruises. The mark now was much lighter than before, but Alexander's chest tightened.
He'd hurt Caroline again. Broken his promise again. Even if this was only a dream.
"I..."
The word caught in his throat.
Caroline was about to speak when she noticed the strange expression on Alexander's face. She froze.
The words died on her lips. She shifted her wrist uncomfortably and asked softly, "Alexander? What's wrong? Are you okay?"
Her voice pulled him back. He took a deep breath, forced down the emotions threatening to surface, and managed a weak smile.
"It's nothing. Just ran too fast. Got something in my eye."
Then, afraid she'd see through the excuse, he immediately looked down at her wrist again.
"I'm sorry... I grabbed you too hard. Does it still hurt?"
Caroline shook her head and tucked her hand behind her back.
"It's fine. It'll be better in a minute."
Her attempt to hide it felt like a knife twisting in Alexander's chest.
He looked away, unable to bear it, and spoke again. "Anyway, do what you want. Don't give up what you love because of what anyone says. You're Caroline. You're smart, you're talented, and you deserve any future you choose. You shouldn't be anyone's bargaining chip."
Caroline's expression shifted.
After a moment of silence, she nodded. "I know. Thank you, Alexander. It's just that Mr. Murphy is a senior teacher here with a lot of influence. If what happened today gets back to your family..."
Alexander shrugged with forced casualty.
"So what? Have I ever been well-behaved? My dad's used to it by now. Besides, I didn't do anything wrong! He was the one discriminating and crushing a student's dreams. If it gets back, it gets back. Worst case, I get yelled at and grounded for a few days. What can they really do to me?"
He tapped his chest, projecting confidence.
Caroline's tension seemed to ease, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly.
Then she suddenly remembered something. "Oh no, Edith left before me and she's still waiting outside! I have to go."
She nodded at Alexander and hurried off.
Alexander stood there, watching her figure grow smaller in the distance, feeling strangely hollow.
He'd wanted to use that math problem as an excuse to talk to her longer.
He shook his head ruefully and started walking toward the school gate.
The Hamilton family estate was as silent, austere, and oppressive as always.
The moment Alexander walked in, an ashtray shattered at his feet.
"Alexander, you've really outdone yourself this time! You're not even home yet and your teacher's already called to complain! And you threatened to go to the principal? Do you think you own the damn school?" Armando's voice thundered through the room.
Alexander lifted his chin, meeting his father's eyes without flinching.
"Dad, do you think I was wrong? Mr. Murphy, supposedly one of Grandhaven's finest teachers, said something seriously discriminatory to a female student. Should I have just kept my mouth shut?"
Alexander took a step forward, continuing under Armando's shocked stare.
"Or are you saying that when I see a girl being bullied by someone in power, I should just stand there and do nothing? Is that what the Hamilton family stands for?"