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Students were lining up orderly to enter.
The school leaders were already waiting at the gate.
There was even a banner that read, "Welcome, Director Smith!"
Director?
Last time I was here, the banner said "Welcome, Director Swift!"
The title "Director" here doesn't mean CEO—it means Director of Engineering.
Now it said "Director Smith" because they knew I was from the Smith family?
Probably.
They must've seen my records, including my photo, since I was enrolling.
"Dad, you're so influential! Just bringing Skylar to school, and the principal himself comes to welcome you!"
Emma laid it on thick, thinking the banner was for my father.
My father puffed up with pride, though he seemed confused too. Brentwood High is a top school—the principal wouldn't usually give this much face to a businessman.
Emma added, "Mom, Dad, I've been doing well here, so maybe I helped a little? But I won't get cocky—I'll keep working hard!"
My mother nodded. "Emma, you're amazing! Skylar, learn from your sister."
My father didn't say anything. He knew even a top student wouldn't get this kind of treatment.
Or if they did, it wouldn't be for something like this.
Julian quietly came to my side and whispered, "What's really going on?"
"They're welcoming me,"
I smiled.
Julian actually believed it. He believed me.
We walked over.
My father extended his hand toward the principal. "Principal Miller, I didn't expect you to—"
Principal Miller bypassed him completely, came to me, and bowed slightly while shaking my hand. "We invited you when we heard you were back visiting family, but you declined. I never thought you'd come as a student. This is…"
Other computer science teachers rushed over, shook my hand, and started asking me technical questions.
My parents and Emma were stunned.
Julian wasn't too surprised—he just looked at me with a smile.
The man's smile is dangerously charming.
My father asked, "Principal Miller, are you sure you've got the right person? This is my daughter."
"I know,"
Principal Miller said. "That's why we changed the banner from 'Director Swift' to 'Director Smith.'"
"What kind of director is she?"
My father felt dizzy.
Principal Miller didn't elaborate. "Let's discuss inside. This isn't the place."
We went to the school's auditorium.
Principal Miller seated me in the place of honor.
They'd even prepared desserts and candies for me.
My father asked again, "Principal Miller, what's going on?"
Principal Miller looked surprised. "Mr. Smith, you don't know how accomplished your own daughter is?"
