Good, but for who ?

The silence in Anita Williams’ office was palpable as Dr. Miranda sat across from her, hands folded neatly in her lap. Rachel Dawes had just left, her footsteps fading into the corridor. Miranda leaned back slightly, her gaze unfocused, her mind wandering to familiar, dangerous territory.

Garrett.

His voice echoed in her thoughts, deep and commanding. “You’re mine, Miranda. Every thought, every breath—you exist for me.” She could still feel the ghost of his touch, the way his fingers traced the line of her jaw before tightening around her throat. Her body remembered the weight of him, the intensity of his presence. Her breath hitched, and she pressed her thighs together as a shiver ran through her.

But doubt lingered at the edges of her mind, like a whisper she couldn’t quite ignore. Was it really his control over her that made her feel this way, or was there something more? Something real? She had never been drawn to anyone like this before—never craved someone’s touch with such intensity. It frightened her.

She tried to rationalize it, to remind herself that Garrett was dangerous, manipulative. That his influence was calculated, a result of the very program she had created. Yet, the way her body reacted to the mere thought of him, the way her heart raced at the memory of his words—none of that felt artificial.

"No," she whispered internally, trying to steel herself. "This isn’t who I am. He’s in my head, that’s all."

But the warmth spreading through her chest, the ache low in her belly, argued otherwise. Her feelings were undeniable, raw and visceral. And that scared her more than anything.

Anita’s voice cut through the haze, sharp and authoritative. "Miranda."

She blinked, adjusting her blazer, cheeks burning with the memory of her own surrender.

"Yes?" Her voice was steady, but she couldn’t quite meet Anita’s gaze.

Anita watched her closely, a flicker of amusement in her eyes. "You seemed... elsewhere."

Miranda straightened, smoothing her expression. "Just considering the next steps."

Anita leaned back, tapping her fingers rhythmically on the desk. “Good. We’ve made progress with Garrett Silver, but there’s still work to do.”

Miranda nodded, her focus returning. “The AudioTuring program is showing results. His resistance is diminishing.”

“Excellent,” Anita said. “Because by spring, I want the program expanded to the entire facility. Every inmate, every staff member—we need complete control.”

Miranda hesitated. “The staff... there are still some who resist.”

Anita’s expression hardened. “Resistance leads to weakness. Anyone who isn’t fully on board will be dealt with.”

Miranda tilted her head, curiosity piqued. “And after the program is fully implemented?”

Anita smiled, leaning forward conspiratorially. “There’s something we haven’t discussed. Once Havenbrook is established as the model facility, you’ll be offered a professorship at the Alvarado Institute for Progressive Thought. Maria Chavez herself will oversee it, Kathrin Stevenson is providing the funding, and Mayor Laura Carter is securing the political framework.”

Miranda’s brows lifted in surprise. “A professorship?”

“Yes. You’ll be shaping the minds of tomorrow’s leaders. This isn’t just about fixing the present—it’s about securing the future.”

Miranda processed the revelation, a mixture of pride and trepidation settling in her chest. She hadn’t expected such a reward, but the thought of molding the next generation of progressives stirred something in her.

Anita leaned back, satisfied with Miranda’s reaction. “We need to stay on course. But there’s another matter we must address—our staff.”

Miranda straightened. “What about them?”

“The key figures are already on board. Moana, Bree, Latoya—they’re committed. But some of the others are... too lenient.”

Miranda frowned. “Lenient?”

Anita’s gaze sharpened. “Too friendly. Too kind to the inmates. They believe in rehabilitation, not reformation. They need a little... push.”

Miranda’s stomach churned slightly. “Are you suggesting we use the AudioTuring device on them?”

Anita shook her head. “Not yet. We’ll test it further on the inmates first. But once we know it’s safe, we’ll help the more hesitant staff members see things our way.”

Miranda shifted in her seat. “And until then?”

“Until then, you’ll handle it. One-on-one conversations. Identify the doubters, the soft-hearted. Get a sense of where they stand. If they’re salvageable, we’ll nudge them in the right direction. If not... we’ll replace them.”

Miranda’s ethical concerns bubbled to the surface. “And you’re certain this is necessary?”

Anita’s smile was cold. “It’s the future, Miranda. We can’t afford weakness.”

Miranda’s mind flicked back to Garrett. He would understand this. He would tell her to push forward, to seize control. Her lips pressed together in a thin line. “Understood.”

Anita leaned back, a satisfied gleam in her eyes. “Good. Let’s walk through the timeline.”

Anita spread a document across the desk, pointing to key milestones.

“Garrett will be with us through the end of the school year. That gives us enough time to ensure his full compliance and to position him as a success story.”

Miranda nodded. “And the expansion of the program?”

“Gradual,” Anita replied. “First to the most volatile inmates, then to the staff. By spring, we’ll have full saturation. No one will question our methods.”

Miranda tapped her finger thoughtfully on the desk. “And the staff who resist?”

“They’ll either fall in line or be removed.”

Miranda’s mind flicked back to Garrett. He would love this—a system of absolute control. Her lips curved into a subtle smile.

Anita noticed. “Something amusing?”

“Just thinking about how far we’ve come,” Miranda replied smoothly.

“Indeed.” Anita’s eyes gleamed. “And we’re just getting started.”

Once Miranda had left, Anita opened her laptop, initiating a secure video call. The screen flickered to life, revealing the faces of four key women: Maria Chávez, Kathrin Stevenson, Laura Carter, and Amina Qureshi. These women were the architects of Havenbrook’s progressive transformation, and Garrett Silver had become their first test subject.

“Ladies,” Anita began, her voice calm yet purposeful. “We’re progressing as planned. Dr. Wong has made significant strides with Garrett Silver.”

Maria Chávez leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing with restrained anger. “Good. That boy isn’t just a bully. He’s everything we’ve been fighting against—every toxic trait of the old world wrapped up in one angry young man. He’s the kind of boy who thinks the world owes him, just because he’s white, straight, and male.”

Maria’s hatred toward white men had deep roots. Her husband, Miguel, had been a passive figure in her life—a man who quietly obeyed, content to let Maria lead their family. But before Miguel, Maria had been trapped in a marriage to a white man who tried to control her, dismiss her ambitions, and belittle her heritage. She vowed never to let anyone like him hold power over her family again. Diego, her son, was a reminder of what strength looked like, and Garrett’s attack on him was unforgivable.

Kathrin Stevenson tapped her fingers on her desk, her voice tight with emotion. “Ryan still has nightmares. He keeps his pain hidden, but it seeps out in his art. Garrett saw his kindness, his sensitivity, and decided it made him weak. He didn’t just bruise Ryan’s body—he tried to crush his spirit.”

Kathrin’s disdain for men like Garrett stemmed from her late husband. A wealthy, powerful man, he had manipulated her for years, using his money and influence to control her. After his ****, Kathrin found freedom in her progressive ideals and vowed to ensure her children never fell victim to the same power dynamics. Ryan, her adoptive son, represented everything her late husband despised—a gentle soul in a world that celebrated aggression. Garrett’s attack on Ryan was deeply personal.

Maria’s tone sharpened. “And Diego. He laughed in Garrett’s face, called him out for what he is—a relic of a world that’s dying. Garrett couldn’t handle that. He couldn’t handle the idea that someone like Diego could thrive while his own relevance slipped away. So he lashed out.”

Anita’s voice was steady but cold. “Malik was once his best friend. They grew up together. But when Malik chose to stand with us—with progress, with pride in who he is—Garrett couldn’t accept it. He saw it as a betrayal. His attacks weren’t random acts of ****; they were attempts to reassert a power that he felt slipping through his fingers.”

Anita’s hatred for white men was rooted in her own history. Her ex-husband had left her for a younger white woman—a betrayal that stung deeply. She saw that woman as the embodiment of male desire: submissive, passive, everything Anita refused to be. The woman’s likeness haunted Anita every day she saw Rachel Dawes, her assistant, whose polished look and carefully styled appearance bore a striking resemblance to that same woman. It was a constant reminder of what she despised most.

Laura Carter, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. Her voice was low, but it carried a fierce conviction. “This isn’t just about what he did to our sons. Garrett stands for everything we’re dismantling—privilege, entitlement, toxic masculinity. He’s the embodiment of a world where men like him believe they’re owed power and control, simply because of who they are. We’re here to show that those days are over.”

Laura’s rejection of white men came from years of navigating a political landscape dominated by them. She still carried the name her white adoptive parents had given her—a name that served as a reminder of a past she had vowed to rise above. As an Indian, queer woman, she had fought for every inch of her success. Her wife, Amina Qureshi, a Middle Eastern immigrant and successful businesswoman, had been her partner in both life and politics, helping her navigate the minefields of power. Asha’s own experiences as an immigrant and a successful businesswoman gave her a unique perspective on the barriers women of color faced. Together, they were determined to build a world where their children—and all children—would never feel the weight of that old, oppressive power again.

Amina folded her hands neatly, her tone practical but unyielding. “Stephanie made that clear when she chose Diego. Garrett believed he had a claim on her, that she belonged to him. When she rejected him in front of everyone, it wasn’t just a romantic rejection—it was a symbolic rejection of everything he stands for.”

Kathrin’s lips pressed into a thin line. “He took that rejection as a declaration of war. He saw our children—Ryan, Malik, Diego, and Stephanie—not just as individuals, but as symbols of the future he feared. A future where boys like him aren’t at the center of everything.”

Maria’s gaze hardened. “He lashed out because he couldn’t accept that his time had passed. He saw their success as a threat to his identity. And that’s why he’s here. Garrett isn’t just a boy who needs rehabilitation. He’s a symbol of the old world—a world we’re leaving behind.”

Anita nodded, her expression resolute. “And breaking him is essential. Not just for him, but for everyone watching. Garrett Silver is our proof that the old ways can be dismantled, and that those who refuse to adapt will be reshaped—or removed.”

Laura’s eyes swept across the group. “The town is watching. They’ve seen what Garrett did, and they know he’s in Havenbrook. But they need to see what happens next. They need to see that the future belongs to progress.”

Laura’s adoptive daughter, Lila, a white girl, had been a deliberate choice. Laura had adopted her as an act of defiance—a way to reshape the narrative. Lila had become a source of quiet defiance in their household, often questioning the very ideals her mothers held dear. Though raised by Laura and Amina, Lila often found herself questioning their methods and values. As a white woman of color, her experiences were unique, and she sometimes felt caught between worlds. But Laura believed in her potential to carry their mission forward—if only she could be guided to see the necessity of their cause.

Laura´s voice was sharp. “And the staff? Are they aligned with our goals?”

Anita exhaled slowly. “Most of them. Moana, Bree, Latoya—they’re committed. But there are still a few who hold on to outdated ideas. Some believe in traditional rehabilitation. They think people like Garrett can be reasoned with.”

Maria’s lips curled into a faint sneer. “Traditional methods don’t work. If they did, our sons wouldn’t still be carrying their scars. Garrett would’ve learned his lesson long before he ended up here.”

Kathrin agreed, her voice firm. “If any staff resist, we’ll deal with them. Once the AudioTuring program is fully tested on the inmates, we’ll expand it to staff. We need absolute compliance. No more leniency.”

Laura leaned in, her tone softening slightly, but her resolve unshaken. “This isn’t just about Garrett. It’s about ensuring our children—and their children—grow up in a world where they’re safe. Where they’re valued for who they are, without fear of being pushed down by the old guard.”

Maria’s tone grew steely. “Garrett is just the beginning. Our sons deserve a future free from the shadows of the past. We’re not just reshaping him—we’re reshaping society.”

The call ended, and as the screen went dark, Anita leaned back in her chair with a satisfied smile.

Dear Readers,

This chapter involved a lot of world-building to help you imagine the future arcs of the story.

You’ve also just gotten a sneak peek at some of the key characters for the next arcs! These dynamics will play a central role in shaping the story’s future conflicts and themes.

I’m curious to see how you all feel about our key players—especially the women driving the events at Havenbrook. Will they be seen as the main villains of the story… or the misunderstood heroines? Love them or hate them, they will leave a mark, and I hope they spark strong emotions in you as the story unfolds.

The poll about the story's pacing was quite interesting — it ended in a draw! I'll take that as a sign to maintain the current pace and add steamy chapters whenever they fit naturally into the plot.

https://strawpoll.com/PKgleVAJ9Zp

Thank you all for your continued support and feedback! I love hearing your thoughts, and I’m excited to keep developing this story together with you.