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