cing together on top of the table. "Frances, making accusations requires evidence. J
front of the room and connected a tablet to the projector. A moment
ate investiga
d in a disadvantaged neighborhood. A bright student who worked part-time jobs a
remote in her hand
te private school-standing beside a horse at a prestigious equestrian club. He was surrounded by
ace. He looked down at his hands,
red quickly. "A photograph proves noth
ty Academy for the past five years. A single, six-figure anonymous donation,
rity. It came from a shell company
investigator traced the shell company. It has hidden finan
sed; they were alarmed. This wasn't just polishing a resume. This was a syste
ke thunder. "This is slander! Fran
ds to inherit billions," Frances shot back, her voice
choking sound that drew every eye in the ro
just didn't want you to think I wasn't good enough for the B
d by the wealth around him, making a foolish mist
lders, pulling him close. "Good boy," she said, h
ardening. "The matter is clear! The child made a mis
narrative. She was trying to
ng through the sentiment. "Is the source of this money legal? Why was it routed through an o
ing. Estela had no response. The room fell into a
impossible. The board was spooked. The questions were too
about both candidates," Estela announced, her voice ringing with false fairness, "I propose that
ng this year, they will both receive the family's education and evaluation
ile keeping Jagger inside the walls of the estate. It bought h
d to have a compromise that
would be a war of attrition. But it was the best outcome she could for
er to follow. He walked beside her, his tears miraculou
a paused. She leaned in close
n, child. I hope y
nk. "I never regre
a steady, rhythmic beat in her chest. Round one
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