Helen Simpson is a teacher with 30 years' experience who dismisses the woke ideologies of the younger generation. Influential female student Cressida Bancroft dislikes Helen for accusing her of being a woke warrior to gain popularity.

After this clash of ideals, Cressida sets out to turning the world against Helen, before focussing her attention on Helen's family, including her son Sam.

As Helen delves deeper into Cressida's past, she uncovers a world of sadness and neglect. But has she learnt enough about Cressida to stop her final act of revenge?