NovelEnglishWhen Zoey arrived at the preschool the next day, something felt off. The glances from her colleagues were laced with disdain. She had barely sat down when a kind soul next to her leaned in to whisper, "Ms. March, you might want to clear the air. Gemma's been saying you've hooked up with srich guy and won't be coming back to teach." Zoey froze, suddenly remembering her unfortunate run-in with Gemma at the hospital. Back then, Gemma had hurled insults at her, but Zoey was too panicked to really listen. Gemma, whose father held a minor city council position in Zion City, had grown up fearless and entitled. And when it cto men, she was incredibly picky, often boasting about her desire to marry into wealth. But Zion City was small potatoes compared to Greenfield.
Gemma had set her sights on Fitch, determined to win him over. Seeing Zoey and Fitch together at the hospital had made Gemma livid, convinced Zoey was following Fitch. The thought of Zoey, who usually seemed so aloof, chasing after a wealthy man infuriated her even more when she learned Nolan had been moved to Zoey's class. Because Zoey was absent yesterday, Gemma spread rumors that Zoey had snagged a rich boyfriend and was seen at a gynecologist's office.
The preschool staff, mostly women who loved to gossip, quickly spread the word. Zoey understood the hostile reception she had received that morning. She immediately confronted Gemma, who was in the middle of spreading the rumor even further.
"I saw it with my own eyes; she's totally played out. And now she's trying to snag Mr. Haskins, as if he'd be interested in someone like her. She thinks her family's minor savings are impressive, but that's nothing compared to Mr. Haskins' daily interest earnings." The other teachers turned away when Zoey approached, but Gemma, oblivious, kept ranting. Zoey couldn't take it anymore and snapped, "Apologize." Gemma, taken aback, stood up, "Apologize for what? You know it's true. You pretend to give up, yet Nolan ends up in your class. You're so desperate, trying to hook up with Mr. Haskins. Look at yourself!" "You think your dad's retirement can protect you? My dad put yours in his place at a dinner once. I've been nice, not making a big deal out of your attitude, but really, who do you think you are?" With that, Zoey slapped her across the face. Gemma, in shock, couldn't believe Zoey had hit her. The slap was just the beginning; Zoey, fueled by anger, threw a book at Gemma, who retaliated by pulling Zoey's hair. "You'll regret this! I'll make sure you can't stay at this school!" The other teachers, worried about the feud and Gemma's family's influence, tried to intervene. "Ms. March, why did you have to go that far? Just apologize, we're all colleagues here." Gemma, nursing her cheek, spat out, "Even if you apologize, I won't accept it. My family has connections in Greenfield too, you know. Don't think I'll let this slide!" She stormed out, slamming the door behind her. Zoey, her face grim, thought about the worst-case scena- losing her job. But it wasn't the end of the world. Curtis had told her never to let anyone walk all over her.
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