Chapter 22
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Hailey had looked into her mother’s background a long time ago. She knew that her mother, Valerie, was actually the daughter of the prestigious Medrano family in Hallon City. So, she had always been aware of her originis.
Now, Hailey remained completely composed, even pulling out a pack of tissues from her pocket and handing it to Nicolas.
Nicolas was genuinely surprised, but he wasn’t about to let that excitement cloud his judgment. He still remembered exactly why he was here.
Nicolas’s expression turned serious as he looked at Luke. “Before I walked in, what were you saying? Whose scores were you planning to void?”
Luke broke into a cold sweat the moment Nicolas’s sharp gaze landed on him. He replied, “N–no one’s, Mr. Medrano. You must’ve misheard”
Nicolas let out a cold chuckle. “Seems like my absence has made you pretty bold, Mr. Stuart. Are you acting like you’re the principal now?”
“N–no, not at all! Mr. Medrano, you’ve got it all wrong! I never meant that!” Luke forced an awkward smile.
“I won’t make this difficult for you, Nicolas said casually. “Since you claim my niece’s scores are fake, then you should have some proof, right? If she really did cheat, I wouldn’t cover for her, even as her uncle.”
“It–it was Ms. Lugo who told me, Mr. Medrano. You should ask her. She said Hailey cheated and that Joshua stole the test answers the night before and leaked them to her. Luke answered, shifting all the blame onto Molly.
Molly shot up from her seat, her face going pale with panic.
Nicolas turned to her. “Ms. Lugo, is that true? Do you have solid evidence?”
Of course, Molly didn’t! But since Luke practically ran the disciplinary office, and she had certain… relations with him, she had assumed her words alone would be enough to deal with a student.
-I’m sorry, Mr. Medrano. It was my mistake. I didn’t have concrete evidence. I made a judgment based solely on security footage. That was wrong of me.” Molly admitted hastily
At this point, there was no other option but to confess.
Nicolas smirked. “In that case, why don’t we make things right? This afternoon, we’ll hold a school–wide assembly in the auditorium. You’ll go on stage and apologize to Hailey in front of everyone.”
Molly froze. An apology in front of the entire school? That would be utterly humiliating. But she didn’t dare refuse, so she gritted her teeth and nodded.
Behind her, Luke let out a quiet sigh of relief. Good thing he passed the blame fast enough.
Nicolas turned to him. “Oh, and Mr. Stuart–you’re not off the hook either.”
Instantly, Luke’s expression stiffened.
“Since this is all just a misunderstanding, we’ll take our leave now,” Selena said, her voice soft and gentle, her smile graceful. “I knew my sister would never cheat.”
But everyone in the room saw right through that fake smile.
“Wait a second” Casey spoke up, tilting her head as she looked at Mateo. “Hey, uh… what’s your name again?”
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Mateso face stiffened dighly. The replied, yeen in the tech for years th’s Maren
Casey “Oh Sorry, you’re so ugly I never remembered:
Hadley let out a vill laugh oralde to hold in And Sex fice darkened even more
What is je
Casey didn’t care and continued. “This nempe important to you ember your life bet, elfu You Jou So when are you leaving the A Cisco
Selena cut in quickly Actually, about that-
“You shut up” Casey mapped She had been spoiled since birth and the had zem patience for people she didier like
Selena looked at her in shock, completely unable to believe that Casey would speak to her on nutely After all, she was at
aughtm of the Dalton family too:
“Ahem Nicolas coughed lightly. He seemed to be reprimanding Casey, but his tone was filled with indulgence “Casey, that’s not how you talk to people. Be polite.”
Casey straightened up immediately and put on a sweet, well–mannered smile. She turned to Selena and said sincerely. “Tin sorry. Ms. Dalton. Please shut up”
Selena was speechless. Hailey crossed her arms, watching Casey with interest. This little cousin is actually kind of fon, she thought.
“Anyway.” Casey continued, “since the test results are out and even the teachers admitted Hailey didn’t cheat, don’t you think it’s time to pack up and leave, Mateo!”
Mateo scoffed. “I don’t need you to remind me. I know what I said”
With that. Mateo stormed out of the office. But before leaving, he shot a deep, unreadable glance at Hailey
Hailey had no idea what that look was supposed to mean. Still, everything was settled now. And the best part? She barely had to do anything. That was a win in her book.
“Alright, Hailey, now that everything’s fine, I’m going to get going” Joshua was quick to sense when he was no longer needed He didn’t want to interrupt this little family reunion.
Once outside, Joshua pulled out his phone and made a call. He said smugly, “Owen, it’s all sorted. You seriously didn’t need to worry. Hailey is Mr. Medrano’s niece, and you know how protective he is.”
In a sleek, spacious office, Owen stood by the floor–to–ceiling windows, phone in hand. A faint smule played on his lips. “Gol it. Thanks for looking out for her today. Your new gaming console should already be at your place.”
Joshua let out a dramatic cheer. “You’re the best, man! Owen Forever! Then, he hung up.
On the couch, a man smirked and stretched lazily. “This is the first time I’ve seen you this invested in a girl. You even bribed her little sidekick? Dude, you’re in deep.”
The man’s name was Ivan, and he was a very close friend of Owen
Owen walked over and sat down, his posture relaxed, exuding an effortless air of nobility. He ran his fingers over his plan screen lightly, his expression softening as he recalled the first time he had met Hailey.
Owen hummed in response. Ivan clicked his tongue. “Damn. Now I’m curious.
Got a picture of her?”
Owen lifted his gaze and shot him a look. “Stay away from her
“Oh, protective, are we?” Ivan asked, more intrigued. “Now I really have to look into this
09:10 FA, 28 Mar DA A.
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Owen’s usual lazy demeter vandhed, his gaze turning cold. He said coldly. “Don’t”
Ivan raised his hands in surrender immediately, realizing he was serious. And he added. “Alright, alright, I wont. Just messing with you. But next time you see her, bring me along I’ll help you set her
This time, Owen didn’t refuse. He gave a faint nod. And fran’s lips curled into a knowing smirk
Later that day, as Hailey stepped out of Everton High School, her phone rang
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The person on the other hand said, “Hailey, the Dalton Group raised their offer again. They’re still insisting on buying your film rights, and they want a meeting”
“Not interested; Hailey replied flatly. “Sell the rights to the Calhoun Group instead. See if they’re interested.”
“Got it the caller answered.
Meanwhile, in another office, Owen received a call.
“Mr. Calhoun, Waterlight Studion just reached out. They want to collaborate with us” The asustant’s voice was filled with
excitement
