s temple. He turned to Alethea, his posture now deferential, almo

n, snapping out of her shock, lunged forward a

voice ragged with disbelief. "Sh

or any sign, any proof of deception. But there was nothing

ture of disappointment and anger. "Ms. Dawson, that's enou

med eyes fixing on Alethea. "How did y

ers and students into the hallway. They whispe

awson's hysteria. She didn't even grace the frantic teacher with

s more infuriating to

er composure completely shattered. "She's a fraud! A d

the air, making some of the oth

ing on Dawson for the first time since the accusation. Th

soft but carrying clearly down the

ublic apology and her resignation-crashed down on her. The color drained

ng out, clear and strong, silencing the whispers. "For those of you who don't know, Mis

gasp went thr

ntered his voice. "And she achieved a

shocked murmurs. Perfect score? Fort

as about to leave with Coleto

erd showing off,

s that followed: perfect score. It was a feat that mirrored his own legacy at this school. He looked toward the crowd,

ing eyes, felt her world collapsing. "No... it

ler said coldly, eager to distance himself from her be

She had lost. But the conseque