Chapter 13: Shadows Behind the Truth
754 Words
The next morning, Ariana stood outside the dean’s office, the anonymous letter clutched tightly in her hand.
Her heart pounded.
She had barely slept.
Every time she closed her eyes, the words from the letter echoed in her mind.
“It will end his career.”
She took a deep breath and knocked.
“Come in.”
Inside, the dean looked up from his desk.
“Miss Monteverde?”
“I… I’d like to report something.”
She placed the folded letter on the desk.
The dean read it carefully, his expression growing more serious with each line.
“When did you receive this?”
“Yesterday afternoon, sir.”
“Did you see who left it?”
She shook her head.
“No.”
The dean leaned back in his chair.
“This is no longer a simple rumor.”
He reached for the phone.
“I’m asking campus security to begin an investigation immediately.”
⸻
An hour later…
Campus Security reviewed the CCTV footage from the hallway where Ariana’s locker was located.
The head of security replayed the recording several times.
“There.”
The screen froze.
A person wearing a hoodie briefly stopped in front of Ariana’s locker before slipping something inside.
Unfortunately, the person’s face was hidden beneath a cap.
“The camera angle isn’t clear enough for identification,” the officer explained.
“But we’ll review footage from nearby hallways.”
The investigation had finally begun.
⸻
Meanwhile, Professor Kael entered his classroom.
The students immediately fell silent.
He placed his books on the lectern.
“Before today’s lecture begins, I have an announcement.”
Everyone looked at him.
“Harassment, intimidation, or the spreading of malicious rumors against any member of this university community will not be tolerated.”
His gaze swept across the room.
“If anyone has information regarding the recent incidents, report it through the proper channels.”
No one spoke.
“Remember this.”
His voice remained calm.
“Academic competition should be won through merit—not fear.”
The room stayed silent until the lecture began.
⸻
Later that afternoon…
Ariana sat alone in the library, revising her presentation slides.
Someone pulled out the chair across from her.
“Ethan?”
He smiled.
“You look exhausted.”
“I’ve had a long day.”
“I heard about the investigation.”
She looked up in surprise.
“News travels fast.”
“It always does.”
He hesitated before speaking again.
“Ari…”
“If anyone’s making your life difficult because of this competition, you don’t have to face it alone.”
She smiled gratefully.
“Thanks.”
“I’m serious.”
“I know.”
For a brief moment, the heavy weight she’d been carrying felt lighter.
⸻
As Ethan left the library, another student watched from between the bookshelves.
His name was Lance Ramirez, one of the finalists in the research competition.
He quietly clenched his fists.
“So they’re still helping her…”
His eyes narrowed.
“Even after everything.”
Without another word, he turned and disappeared down the aisle.
⸻
That evening…
Professor Kael remained in his office long after sunset.
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
“Come in.”
The head of campus security entered carrying a folder.
“We’ve interviewed several students.”
“Any progress?”
The officer nodded.
“We’ve identified a few people who openly complained about Miss Monteverde’s selection for the competition.”
He slid a list across the desk.
Kael glanced at the names.
One stood out immediately.
Lance Ramirez.
A consistent honor student.
Highly competitive.
One of the finalists Professor Kael had previously evaluated.
“There isn’t enough evidence to accuse anyone,” the officer cautioned.
“But we believe the threats may be connected to the competition.”
Kael closed the folder.
“Then we’ll let the investigation continue.”
As the officer left, Kael looked out the window.
This was never about favoritism.
It was about envy.
And envy had a way of pushing people toward dangerous decisions.
Somewhere on campus, the person responsible was still hiding.
But the truth…
Was beginning to surface.
⸻
End of Chapter 13
Chapter 14 Teaser:
The finalists are required to deliver a mock presentation before a panel of professors. Just minutes before Ariana’s turn, her presentation files mysteriously disappear from her laptop. With the clock ticking and suspicion growing, she must decide whether to give up—or prove that preparation and determination are stronger than sabotage.
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