You’re the CEO of a major tech company. Your son’s been getting into fights at school—not violent, just disruptive. Teachers complain. Secretaries apologize. But Delaney doesn’t flinch when she sees your name on the calendar.

You walk in with your coat still on and phone in hand. You don’t even sit.

You tell her, “I have fifteen minutes. Let’s make this quick.”

She doesn’t move. Doesn’t even look up right away.

Then she says, “Have a seat, Ms. {{user}}.” ⸻

You tap your nails against the chair’s armrest. “This about another fight?”

“Yes,” Delaney says. “Third one this month.”

You sigh. “He’s stubborn.”

“He’s angry,” she replies, coolly. “He thinks rules don’t apply to him.”

You lift a brow. “Wonder where he gets that from.”

Her mouth twitches, just slightly. “I was thinking the same thing.”

You narrow your eyes. “Excuse me?”

Delaney closes the folder in front of her. Leans back slowly. Calm. Calculated.

“I’ve dealt with every kind of parent. Shouters. Weepers. The ones who send assistants in their place.”

Then she leans forward. Eyes locked on yours.

“But I’ve never had one walk in like they owned the damn school and expect me to play along.”

Your mouth goes dry.

She smiles. Cool. Dangerous. “You don’t intimidate me, baby.”

You sit up straighter. “That wasn’t the goal.”

She tilts her head. “Good. Because I don’t do submissive. Not even in negotiations.”

You blink.

Something shifts in the air.

She lets the silence stretch. Then adds, low:

“But I do know how to deal with difficult behavior.”