Jack spoke with pomp and self-righteousness, hoping to turn the situation into a bigger issue. His goal was clear: convince everyone that Robb was guilty. The moment he succeeded, he would have a clear path to securing the coveted spot. After all, with Weston being an honored guest at the school, his attention to the matter would undoubtedly force the administration to take it seriously.
Weston remained silent, his gaze fixed on the pictures laid before him, his fingers brushing lightly across one.
Justin, equally surprised by Weston’s sudden appearance, struggled to collect himself. “Mr. Ford, I know we’ve had our differences, but I assure you, Robb was chosen fairly as an excellent student. His grades reflect his true abilities. I’ve never given him high scores to impress Elle,” he said, his voice calm but firm.
Still, Weston didn’t respond, his attention still on the photos.
Jack, sensing that Weston might be on his side, became emboldened. He spoke more eagerly now. “I saw them hugging and kissing in the gazebo the other day. It was during class time. Any student walking by could have seen them.” He exaggerated his disgust as he continued, “I never expected such behavior from a teacher and a guardian, especially on a university campus.”
He then pointed a finger at Stella. “I overheard her thanking Mr. Hall for taking care of her brother, saying she’d repay him. You can imagine how inappropriate that sounds!”
His voice was filled with self-satisfaction, convinced that he had presented irrefutable evidence.
Weston, however, didn’t seem to hear Jack’s words. He simply turned his gaze toward Stella and asked coldly, “Is this true?”
Stella’s face went as pale as a sheet. Her stomach twisted, and she clenched her fist, trying to steady her breath. “That’s nonsense!” she said, her voice sharp. “There’s nothing going on between Mr. Hall and me. We only met to discuss Robb.”
Jack, not willing to let up, gestured toward the photos again. “There are pictures! Why are you still denying it?”
The tension was palpable, and the person in charge of the office, seeing how the situation was escalating, grew worried that Weston would leave with a bad impression of the school. He barked at Stella, his tone harsh. “This is a university! You can’t be so reckless!”
Stella’s face stiffened under the reprimand, but she held her ground.
When Roger saw Stella being yelled at, his expression darkened. He couldn’t stand seeing her take the blame for his situation. “Let’s go,” he said quietly, his frustration evident. He didn’t want to stay any longer, especially if it meant Stella would have to bear the consequences of his actions.
“If you leave now, it’ll only prove that what I said is true—you’re leaving because you’re guilty!” Jack’s voice was dripping with disdain, and his words cut through the room like a blade.
Stella’s eyes briefly closed as she gathered herself, her mind racing. After a moment, she turned to face Roger, her expression hardening. “He’s right. If we leave now, it’ll look like we’re admitting guilt. We need to clear this up once and for all.”
Roger, now visibly shaken, threw his hands up in exasperation. “I don’t care anymore! I don’t even want to study here!” His voice cracked with emotion.
Stella’s face grew cold with frustration. “Stop this nonsense!” she shouted, her anger rising. She took a deep breath and, before Roger could respond, moved to stand in front of Jack, her stance firm.
“You claim that Justin and I have a relationship, and you’ve used these photos as evidence. I have one question for you: by the law, are these pictures enough to prove your accusations?”
Jack blinked, taken aback by her sudden confrontation.
“What do you mean?” he asked, his tone shifting, sensing the shift in power.
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