Page 76 of Sexting the Single Pakhan

Principal Ellis looks up from her computer. “Mr. Volkov,” Ellis says, rising halfway. “This is unexpected—”

“Sit.” She drops back into her chair.

I close the door.

I don’t sit. I stand at the head of the table, hands flat on the surface, leaning forward.

“Yesterday you terminated Laurel Harper’s employment. Because of a photograph taken at a public charity event where she was my date. You cited a conflict of interest, inappropriate conduct with a student’s parent. The implication was that she pursued me.”

Ellis opens her mouth. I cut her off with a look.

“I pursued her. Not the other way around. She never once crossed a professional line. She tried to keep distance. I didn’t let her. Every step toward intimacy was my initiative. If anyone compromised anything, it was me.”

The principal shifts uncomfortably. I pull my phone from my coat pocket, unlock it, and slide it across the table. The screen is already open to a private album, screenshots, timestamps visible.

“These are messages sent to me by one of your teachers, Aria Smith.” I tap the first one. “Six months ago. Unprompted. Suggestive photos. Invitations to ‘private dinners.’ Explicit offers. I never responded, but she kept sending them. When I continued to ignore her, she saw Laurel with me at the gala and decided to punish the woman I chose instead of her.”

I scroll slowly. The images are blurred enough for decency, but the intent is unmistakable. Lingerie selfies. Mirror shots in low-cut dresses, and texts.

Ellis ’s face drains of color. The HR rep covers her mouth with her hand.

“Aria weaponized a private moment between consenting adults to destroy a colleague’s career out of jealousy and spite,” I continue. “If you’re to go by your rules, then Aria needs to get fired too.”

I know she doesn’t need the job, but I also know this is her last chance to mend her relationship with her father. Losing this job is the last straw that’d lead to Mr. Smith disowning her.

Silence stretches. Ellis finally speaks, voice thin. “We… were not aware of this context. We can reinstate Ms. Harper immediately. We’ll—”

“And make sure Aria is gone too. Make sure her employment record reflects exactly what she did. And make sure every member of staff who participated in the group chat smear campaign receives a written reprimand.”

Ellis nods quickly. “Done.”

I straighten. “Good. Think we’re done here.”

“Yes, Mr. Volkov. I…I apologize for…”

“Save it.” I turn toward the door, then walk out.

On my way out, I stop by Aria’s classroom. When she sees me, a wide smile spreads across her face. Foolish woman. She quickly abandons what she was writing on the whiteboard and rushes out to meet me.

“Hey, are you…”

“Shut up and listen. If you ever speak ill of Laurel again, or try to hurt her, your family will feel it—financially, socially, legally. Every lever I have will be pulled. The real estate contract your father just secured with my help? I’ll start with that.”

Her face pales instantly. “I…”

“Do you understand me? Or do I need to speak to your father directly?”

She shakes her head frantically, her eyes now glassy. “No, please don’t. I’ll stay out of your way.”

“Good.”

I don’t wait for a response. I walk out.

By the time I reach my car, my phone buzzes. Ellis.

Ms. Harper will be reinstated, effective tomorrow. Aria’s termination paperwork is being processed now. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Chapter Twenty-Two