Blurb：
Ivy Lawson thought teaching high school seniors would be routine—until 3 AM calls from Christina McSpire about her daughter Zoe Street’s every move. When over a hundred missed calls flood Ivy’s phone, she discovers Zoe’s life is micromanaged to the minute: 5 AM wake-ups, triple-repeated vocabulary drills, and cameras tracking her every action. As Ivy digs deeper with former teacher Maria Hernandez, she uncovers a web of control that pushes her patience to the limit. Can Ivy protect Zoe from her mother’s obsession while surviving Christina’s relentless demands?
Content：
My name is Ivy Lawson.
At 3:00 am, I get a call from Christina McSpire, a parent of one of my students.
Hello, Ms. Lawson, I noticed Zoe only spent five dollars on her meal yesterday. Did she not eat any meat? she asks.
Pushing through my exhaustion, I reply, Don’t worry, Mrs. Street. I’ll check on it tomorrow.
Another half hour goes by, and she calls again.
It’s supposed to rain tomorrow. Can you remind Zoe to bring an umbrella?
I can hardly keep my eyes open.
Got it, I reply absentmindedly.
A few minutes later, my phone rings once more.
Please make sure Zoe brushes her teeth for three minutes. It’s also important that she scrubs each side of her face at least three times.
Suppressing my frustration, I calmly respond, Zoe is in her senior year of high school. I’m sure she’s capable of taking care of herself.
I expect that to be the end of it, but when I wake up, my silenced phone shows over a hundred missed calls.
Chapter 1
I was instantly on alert as I thought something serious had happened. So, I quickly returned the call.
Hello, what’s
Ms. Lawson, you’re not dead, are you? A sharp, impatient female voice interrupted. I have something urgent to tell you! Are you deaf? Why didn’t you pick up your phone?
I glanced at the screen. All the missed calls were from Zoe Street’s mother, Christina McSpire. Why was she using different numbers?
After a sleepless night, I could feel my frustration building. I asked, Mrs. Street, what exactly is so urgent?
To my surprise, Christina sounded even more impatient than I was. Didn’t I tell you everything last night? Say it back to me now.
I stayed silent, assuming I must have misheard her.
She let out a cold laugh, her voice growing more insistent. Go grab a pen and paper. Make sure you write everything down.
Zoe needs to get up at exactly 5:00 am. She has only ten minutes to freshen up and five minutes for the bathroom.
Now, I’m going to test you. What time does she need to start her morning reading?
At this point, even a saint would’ve lost their patience.
I tried to explain, Mrs. Street, you might not be fully acquainted with our school schedule yet. Zoe just transferred, after all.
Regardless, our morning reading starts at 7:00 am. Asking her to wake up at 5:00 am is simply too early.
After years of teaching, I had dealt with my fair share of difficult parents. I’d already given Christina all the respect I could. I wasn’t about to keep tolerating her demands.
If you’re worried about Zoe adjusting to dorm life, I’ll make sure to keep an eye on her. But right now, it’s my personal time. Please don’t disturb me again.
With that, I ended the call. As soon as I arrived at school, I went straight to Zoe’s former homeroom teacher, Maria Hernandez, to discuss the situation. I had taken over this class just over a month after the semester had started.
On my first day as their new teacher, it was hard to believe I was already dealing with something like this. And to be honest, I was at a complete loss.
Maria had claimed she was suffering from heart palpitations, rendering her unable to carry out her duties. As soon as she heard Zoe’s name, she couldn’t help but shudder. Good luck, Ms. Lawson, she muttered.
Before I could ask anything further, she quickly excused herself and left. I didn’t think much of it and headed to the classroom.
It was breakfast time, so most of the students were still absent. To my surprise, I found Zoe sitting in the front row, her posture straight and composed.
Aside from the surveillance camera installed in the corner, another camera was mounted near her desk. Every move she made was being recorded.
I noticed Zoe’s method of memorizing vocabulary was a bit unconventional. She would deliberately read each word out loud three times.
With only ten minutes left before the next class, she finally set her book down and, without a word, took a piece of bread from her desk drawer before devouring it.
Noticing she was having trouble swallowing, I grabbed a glass of water and handed it to her.
Take it easy. You don’t want to choke.
She thanked me, but she showed no sign of slowing down.
Chapter 2
As there were only five minutes left, Zoe grabbed a tissue and rushed off to the restroom. At the final minute, she hurried back into the classroom, her breath coming in sharp gasps. As she sat down and glanced at her watch, a bead of sweat trickled down her forehead.
She’s going to kill me, she whispered.
I was confused. Every one of Zoe’s actions seemed to follow a precise schedule.
Suddenly, a furious voice blared from the surveillance camera beside her. Zoe! You spent an extra minute in the restroom!
Why did you do that? Tell me right now!
I immediately recognized the voice. It was Christina’s. It was obvious she had set up that camera to keep an eye on Zoe.
A few students in the room exchanged glances, their expressions saying it all. It was clear this wasn’t the first time something like this had happened.
I couldn’t help but frown.
Zoe’s face turned pale. Her lips quivered as she said, Mom My period just started. That’s why I took a bit longer in the restroom.
Christina, however, wasn’t backing down, shouting, Don’t lie to me! I’ve been keeping track. Your period isn’t due for another six days!
Besides, you’ve run out of pads. You didn’t buy any this month!
I was utterly speechless. What kind of mother wouldn’t understand that a teenage girl’s cycle could be irregular? Was it even normal to micromanage whether her daughter bought sanitary pads?
With all eyes on her, Zoe’s face flushed bright red. She lowered her head in embarrassment.
Before I could say anything, a female student spoke up in Zoe’s defense. Mrs. Street, I lent Zoe some of my sanitary pads. She’s telling the truth.
Did I ask you to lend her anything? Stay out of this! What’s your name? Christina snapped. Instead of calming down, she shifted her aim, making the student the target of her rage.
Where are your parents? Are they the ones who taught you to interfere with Zoe’s life?
I took a deep breath and stopped her mid-sentence. Ma’am, you’re disturbing the class. Please remain quiet.
That one remark seemed to push Christina over the edge. Without hesitation, she began barking orders, Ms. Lawson, please accompany Zoe to the restroom right away.
After she takes off her pants, go ahead and grab some pictures and videos for me! Don’t overlook her private parts. I want to see if she’s on her period.
Make sure her face is in the shot. If I catch you covering for her, you’ll regret it!
Upon hearing this, the classroom buzzed with whispers.
Christina, however, remained completely unfazed by the students listening in. Ms. Lawson! Did you hear me? Hurry up! You’ve got five minutes!
Zoe’s shoulders shook. She shrank back, too fearful to make a move.
In the blink of an eye, Christina ramped up the pressure.
Ms. Lawson, this is your final warning. If you can’t deal with something so insignificant, I suppose you’re not cut out for this line of work. Perhaps quitting is your best choice!
My temples pulsed with fury. Even so, I kept my composure and rolled up my sleeves.
As I moved forward, Zoe instinctively stepped back. She tripped over a chair and nearly lost her balance.
Looking up at me, she pleaded, Ms. Lawson I really didn’t lie.
A heavy despair shadowed her eyes. The tears trailing down her cheeks felt like knives cutting into my heart.
At that moment, the student who had defended Zoe stepped in front of her. Ms. Lawson, I promise we’re telling the truth! she insisted.
I shook my head. Step aside.
From the monitor, Christina sneered, Start recording as soon as Zoe steps into the restroom. Slowly pan from her face before moving the frame downward. Don’t forget to open her legs so I can get a good look. If you don’t comply
My hand trembled as I reached out. Summoning every ounce of strength, I tore the surveillance camera down in front of the students. In an instant, Christina’s piercing voice was suddenly cut off.
Chapter 3
I turned around and said calmly, Alright, it’s over. Everything’s fine. Class, please get ready for the lesson.
Relying on my years of experience, I made it through two class periods. The moment I left the classroom, I saw Michael Henderson, the principal, standing in the hallway.
With his arms folded, he gestured for me to come along to his office. As the door shut behind us, his face hardened. Do you have any idea what kind of trouble you’ve started, Ms. Lawson?
Not only did you ignore a parent’s calls, but you also took down her camera. She’s already filed a complaint with me!
I couldn’t care less about the accusations; my priority was to speak with Michael. With my right hand, I slammed the dismantled camera down in front of him.
Mr. Henderson, parents are not permitted to install surveillance cameras in my classroom without approval. Such devices not only distract other students but also disrupt the learning environment.
I slid my phone across his desk as I spoke. Over the span of two lessons, Christina made almost two hundred calls via auto-dialer. My inbox was drowning in her messages.
How dare you defy me? You’re essentially digging your own grave.
Either you quit and leave Jaleston, or I’ll be coming to make you pay.
I looked at Michael and said, She’s the one who kept calling me non-stop. I was even thinking about reporting her to the police because of those threats.
Michael slammed his fist onto the desk, shouting, Ms. Lawson! What’s with that attitude of yours?
Don’t you know who Zoe’s dad is? Mr. Street is the richest man in Jaleston, for crying out loud! Trust me; you don’t want to be on his bad side.
Our school is just a private institution. Please don’t bring us any trouble.
The richest man in Jaleston? I always thought my husband was the wealthiest in this city. Since when did this Street guy take that title?
Before I could even wrap my head around it, Michael threw a folder at me.
Go back at once and make sure you fully understand Mrs. Street’s instructions.
The folder’s sharp edge grazed my cheek, making me gasp. Inside, the pages revealed a meticulous schedule, detailing every minute detail of a teacher’s duty.
As a homeroom teacher, I had to report my outfit every morning before 5:00 am. My heels must be no taller than three centimeters, and my sleeves must cover my wrists. Formal black pants were non-negotiable.
On top of that, I was responsible for supervising Zoe during her meals at 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm in the cafeteria.
Her menu was also stipulated. Each meal had to consist of 120 grams of carbs, 30 grams of protein, and 200 grams of vegetables.
To manage this, I was required to carry a food scale with me at all times. Not only did I have to weigh everything down to the gram, but I also had to take photos of the food as documentation.
In addition to all that, I was to carry a tape measure with me wherever I went. My job was to track Zoe’s steps and remind her of the exact distance she needed to maintain.
Whenever Christina contacted me, all I could say was, Yes, ma’am.
The sheer number of her demands left me completely at a loss for words.
A wry smile pulled at my lips. Mr. Henderson, could you specify which Mr. Street you’re referring to?
At that moment, Michael’s phone buzzed with an incoming call. With a flattering grin, he picked up the phone. Yes, Mr. Street, is there anything else you’d like from us?
On the other end, an angry voice boomed. Does your school even know how to do things right? Isn’t teaching a service-oriented job? Just how many times have you managed to upset my wife?
Michael quickly tried to smooth things over. Don’t worry, sir. We’ll make sure to accommodate all of Mrs. Street’s requests.
In just a few sentences, I recognized the raspy voice. It was Paul Street, my husband’s secretary. How had he gone from being just a secretary to supposedly the wealthiest man in the city?
A quiet snort escaped me as I walked out of Michael’s office. Once I found Paul’s contact, I immediately sent him a text.
I’m giving you half an hour. Get to your daughter’s school right now!
Out of nowhere, I heard hurried footsteps approaching. Before I could react, someone snatched the phone from my hand. As soon as she saw who I’d texted, her eyebrow lifted in surprise.
How dare you contact my husband behind my back?
Chapter 4
It was none other than Christina. I met her sharp, disdainful gaze and calmly extended my hand.
Give me back my phone.
Without hesitation, she swung her arm and slammed my phone hard onto the ground.
You bitch! Weren’t you the one who refused to answer my calls? What’s the point of even keeping this phone?
Glancing at the broken screen, she raised her chin defiantly.
Let’s see how you plan to bother my husband now! You’re dressed like a beggar, for heaven’s sake! How dare you still dream of seducing a man? You’d be better off picking up trash instead!
I bent down and retrieved my phone.
My attire was neat and professional, perfectly suited to my role as a teacher. Yet despite that, Christina looked down on me, not a trace of respect in her eyes.
Fortunately, my phone wasn’t broken. Without missing a beat, I called my husband, Preston Chamberlain, who was away on a business trip.
Honey, if you don’t get here soon, our family name might have to change to Street.
The word honey seemed to cut through Christina like a blade. Without warning, she swung her leg and landed a hard kick to my knee.
Who the hell do you think you’re calling ‘honey’? she snapped.
The pain hit me like a thunderbolt, and I almost went down. Drawn by the commotion, Michael stepped out of his office. But instead of intervening, he took Christina’s side, clearly eager to please her.
Ms. Lawson, you’d better apologize to Mrs. Street right now!
This time, anger consumed me completely. Since they refused to respect me, I saw no reason to hold back any longer.
Rubbing my knee, I said through clenched teeth, Do you really think Paul’s got your back? You’re going to regret trusting him.
Who gave you the right to say my husband’s name? Christina hissed. She raised her hand to strike me, but before she could, I caught her wrist and twisted it hard.
Ah! Christina cried out in pain.
Mom! What are you doing here?
I turned to see Zoe rushing out of the classroom, a crowd of curious students trailing behind her as she witnessed the argument; tears brimmed in her eyes, and her body trembled.
Mom, please don’t make things hard for Ms. Lawson. I’ve switched schools five times already. Please stop stirring up trouble.
Christina shrugged off my hand, fury flashing in her eyes.
Oh, so you’re taking her side now, huh? Could it be that Ms. Lawson is your father’s mistress?
At the end of the day, Zoe was still just a teenager. Such cruel insults were far too much for her to handle. She froze, tears streaming down her face.
Mom
I held back, not wanting to create a scene for the students. Glaring at Christina, I asked, As a parent, how can you talk to your child like that?
In a flash of fury, Christina spun around and slapped Zoe across the face. She’s my daughter! I’ll educate her however I want!
With everyone watching, she shouted, Ms. Ivy Lawson has been teaching Zoe to lie and deceive me! As Zoe’s mother, I demand she be fired immediately!
Michael eagerly jumped in, Absolutely! She should be fired!
To everyone’s astonishment, Zoe suddenly fell to her knees. Gripping Christina’s sleeve, she sobbed uncontrollably. Mom, I didn’t lie!
I can prove it. I’ll take off my pants if I have to Her hands shook, struggling to undo the buttons of her pants.
Don’t you dare! I snapped, unable to hold back. I’m Preston Chamberlain’s wife. Mr. Street works for my husband. I will not allow anyone to mistreat my student!
Preston Chamberlain? Christina burst out, clearly taken aback. She gave me a cold, dismissive look. There’s no way a woman like you could be his wife.
Her eyes darted toward Zoe. Well? What are you waiting for? Get on with it.
Wait! Right then, Paul finally appeared, pushing his way through the crowd.
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