Chapter 5

I tossed my phone aside. I already knew what was going on.

The two of them were completely focused on Gavin's award ceremony. It would never occur to them that I'd already learned the truth, much less that I'd discovered my enrollment record had been stolen.

Dad had been watching me from the side, his brow furrowed with worry. "Conor, can they fix your student record? If someone else is enrolled at Briarwood under your identity, what happens to you? How are you supposed to apply to college?"

My identity.

The words hit me like lightning.

I shot to my feet, an idea suddenly clicking into place. There was a way to expose them in front of everyone—and give the police everything they needed.

I grabbed my jacket and rushed toward the door.

Dad jumped and hurried after me. "Conor, what are you doing? Where are you going?"

I stopped and turned back to him, determination filling my eyes. "I know what to do!"

I spoke slowly and clearly, "Dad, just wait. I'll make sure we get the justice we're owed."

A week later, at Briarwood University, the auditorium was packed for the award ceremony. Bright lights illuminated the stage as applause thundered through the room.

Dad and I sat quietly in the last row, both wearing masks as we watched the stage.

The host stood at the microphone, his voice carrying across the auditorium. "Next, we'll recognize this year's recipient of the President's Scholarship: Conor Hale, Class of '25!"

The auditorium erupted in applause.

I saw Mom sitting in the front row, grinning proudly as she looked toward the stage. Beside her, Cassidy applauded softly, her expression affectionate and her gaze fixed on the impostor.

Gavin—the illegitimate son using my name, "Conor Hale"—slowly rose from his seat. Dressed in an expensive suit, he walked confidently onto the stage and accepted the trophy and certificate.

Then he took the microphone and began his acceptance speech, his voice almost sugary with self-satisfaction.

"First, I want to thank my mom. Thank you for always loving and supporting me. And I want to thank my girlfriend for always being there for me..."

As he continued thanking them, Mom's and Cassidy's smiles grew wider.

People around them began offering congratulations.

"Mrs. Hale, your son is incredible!"

"Cassidy, your boyfriend is amazing!"

Mom couldn't stop smiling, and Cassidy clearly enjoyed the attention.

Mom and Cassidy straightened their clothes, preparing to join "Conor" onstage for the scheduled photos with his guests.

Mom stood. Cassidy rose beside her.

Just as they were about to walk toward the stage, the auditorium doors were thrown open.

Several uniformed police officers strode inside, their expressions serious as they swept their eyes across the room.

The applause stopped instantly. Everyone froze, and the murmuring died away.

Onstage, Gavin hadn't even finished speaking when his face went pale.

The smiles on Mom's and Cassidy's faces froze.

The lead officer, Dylan Griffin, stepped forward, his firm voice carrying through the silent auditorium. "Which one of you is Conor Hale?"