Chapter 15
Chapter 15:
“Rylie, you’re still lying when the evidence is right there? You’re always at the bottom, and Stacey’s the one who’s done your work for years. All you do is slack off at home, and now we’re supposed to believe you miraculously came first? Isn’t your motive clear? Just admit what you did and ask your teacher for leniency. Punishment is better than expulsion p>
Leland’s voice was cold as ice as he added, “Supposedly, this is for your own good — why can’t you see that p>
A faint, mocking laugh escaped Rylie. “For my own good? Then why label me a cheater before even investigating p>
Leland’s temper snapped. He turned to the principal and Rylie’s homeroom teacher. “There’s nothing to investigate. Rylie cheated out of jealousy for Stacey. She’s no longer part of our family — do what you must p>
The teacher agreed at once, and with a handful of words, Rylie was branded a cheater.
Fred said, “So that’s why you dared bet with me — you planned to cheat your way to first place! Now that the truth is out, Rylie, it’s time to kneel and apologize to Stacey, or pay up p>
Leland’s brows furrowed. “What bet p>
Stacey quickly explained, showing her scratched palm and looking wounded yet forgiving. “Leland, Rylie didn’t push me on purpose — she’s just hurt after leaving the family. Fred only made the bet to defend me. It’s a silly bet; it shouldn’t count p>
Fred shook his head. “See, Stacey? You’re too soft. That’s why you keep getting bullied p>
When Leland saw Stacey’s scratched hand, his anger reignited. “Rylie is no longer one of us. The bet stands p>
Now everyone had turned against Rylie, waiting for her humiliation.
But Rylie, calm as ever, pulled out her phone and dialed the school’s largest shareholder. “Rory, there’s an issue here. My homeroom teacher and the principal think I cheated. Can you come deal with it p>
The second he heard Rylie’s voice, Rory perked up like a kid. “Stay put — I’m coming p>
gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs﹒𝚌o𝗺 is where stories live
Fred scoffed. “You really think someone will save you now p>
Rylie replied calmly, “You’ll see soon enough p>
Before Rory could arrive, the dean of the medical school burst into the office and whispered urgently to the principal.
The principal’s face went pale. “Are you certain p>
The dean nodded. “We must look into Rylie’s case more thoroughly p>
The dean addressed the room. “Not long ago, Rylie saved a critical patient at the research institute. She’s made remarkable progress, and her foundation is solid. Accusing her of cheating is not something we should do lightly p>
Leland glared. “There’s nothing to investigate. I know my sister — she cheated. Punish her p>
The dean didn’t even acknowledge him. “Rylie, if you truly believe you’re innocent, I have a more challenging test. If you score above eighty percent, we’ll know the truth p>
Rylie’s original plan had been to let Rory handle this, and she hadn’t expected the dean to offer her such a chance to prove herself. But it seemed the dean was acting under someone’s instruction. Who was behind this? And why were they helping her? She didn’t know the answer, but she told herself she couldn’t let this chance slip. “Okay, I’d like to try it p>