LOGINLionel continued to plead. "We dated for so many years, and I wasn't bad to you. Give me a chance to make it up to you, okay?"Looking at the grief in Lionel's eyes, I felt absolutely nothing anymore. I took a step back and said, "Lionel, I'm not trying to expose you. Admit it, you got drunk on power. You loved everyone praising you. You loved the thrill of controlling everything."If I hadn't fought back today and you had managed to get away with this, do you think you would've regretted it and admitted your mistake? No. You would've kept dancing on the edge of morality, convincing yourself you were justified—crossing every line and breaking the law just to satisfy your need for control."Our four years together meant less to you than the satisfaction that tiny bit of power brought you. So, what makes you think your promises mean anything to me now?"I sighed and pushed him away. "I'm not helping you. And I have no obligation to help you. Whatever punishment you receive, you earne
Everyone in the room was stunned into silence.Vivian, who had looked so pitiful just moments ago, saw the disdainful looks thrown at her and finally stopped pretending. Clenching her teeth, she shoved her frail father aside and screamed hysterically, "You're asking me why? Why don't you ask yourselves why you're so poor? Why have children if you can't afford them?"Stop trying to guilt-trip me. Taking care of me is your responsibility! Not only did you not help me, but you even sided with outsiders to gang up on me. I don't want parents like you!"Let me tell you both something. I'm about to get a great job. Who cares about you? Don't come begging me to take care of you in the future!"As she spoke, she tried to run out. But the investigation team stopped her.She froze in her tracks. "What are you doing?"The university president and faculty advisor looked at her with disappointment. "There are serious questions regarding your grades. You'll need to cooperate with the investiga
"Even now, you all still think I'm the problem? If any of you had your grades altered today, or if any of you were about to lose your degree, would you still be acting so self-righteous and telling me to just suck it up?"The room suddenly fell silent.But before I could continue, Lionel rushed over and slapped me across the face. "You're still trying to turn everyone against me? Is it really so hard to admit you're wrong?"I chose you because, after looking at everything, you were the best choice. Your grades are good enough to pass the makeup exam. You have a solid family background, so your career won't be ruined. You're mentally tough enough to handle the public backlash. And most importantly, you still have me, someone who will stay by you no matter what."Even without a degree, your life wouldn't really change. Why are you pushing this so far? Why can't you just give everyone else a way out? Do you think everyone has it as easy as you do? Why can't you think about me for once
I shoved Lionel away in disgust. "Can you stop acting insane? Wasn't Mr. Bolton clear enough? Everyone's graduation was affected because of your mistake. What does it have to do with me?"Vivian's whole body trembled. Without warning, she slapped me. "How can you be so selfish? None of these people did anything wrong. Why would you drag everyone down with you just because you can't graduate? What do you gain from this? If you're angry, take it out on me. Why hurt everyone else?"The moment she said that, everyone looked at me with hatred, as though I were the one who had done something unforgivable.I sneered and slapped Vivian back. "Who do you think you are? What right do you have to hit me, or to say any of that? Take a good look at yourself. You're accusing me of hurting everyone when you know exactly who caused this. Who was Lionel trying to protect when he changed the list?"Then, I looked at the others and continued, "Blame the one who caused this. It's easy to act righteous
The class secretary, Jay Sanchez, unconsciously met my calm, amused gaze. He gulped, hesitating to answer the call.The others were starting to panic too, afraid that what I said might actually be true.Even Vivian looked unsettled. Her brows furrowed slightly as she bit her lower lip and looked anxiously at Lionel.Seeing everyone getting rattled, Lionel shot me a glare. "Look what you've done. You've scared everyone to death. I'll deal with you at home."As he spoke, he walked over to Jay and took his phone, saying, "It's just a phone call. Why are you scared to answer it? Maybe they're calling to remind us to pick up our degree certificates. I personally watched all your certificates get stamped. Do you really think Amelia is that powerful? Come on. I'll answer it."The people around him visibly relaxed, though the way they looked at me turned more complicated.Lionel answered the call casually. "Mr. Bolton, this is Lionel Simmons from Class Two. Jay's using the restroom, so I
Back before graduation, Vivian's social media had been filled with photos of fancy meals—mostly from high-end restaurants.Around that time, Lionel started lamenting that he had never treated everyone to a proper meal. He also mentioned that money was tight due to his internship and job hunting. Otherwise, he would've loved to treat everyone to a meal as thanks for all their support over the years.At the time, I didn't think much of it. I just thought he was good at managing relationships, so I agreed to pay for it on his behalf.He excitedly announced to the whole class that he was treating everyone, and even specifically asked Vivian what she wanted to eat. That was how they ended up choosing this restaurant.Lionel glanced at me guiltily before quickly changing the subject. Soon, the atmosphere became lively again. He poured a glass of wine and placed it in front of me."You made such a huge fuss over nothing today and made everyone upset. I'll give you a chance here. Say toni






