He bought her loyalty

“Miss Reyes…” The principal folded his hands on his desk and sighed heavily. " I wish this conversation wasn't necessary.” Elena Reyes frowned. “Sir?” “You've always been an excellent student. Your lecturers speak highly of you, and your father has supported this institution for many years. If circumstances were different, we'd gladly give you more time.” “What circumstances sir"? The principal lowered his eyes and took a deep breath before speaking up. " The school can no longer overlook your outstanding tuition fees. Effective today, you're being withdrawn from the college.” The words echoed in her ears. Withdrawn? The word echoed through her mind. It couldn't be right. Just yesterday she had been planning for her examinations. Today, everything she'd worked for was being taken away with a single sentence. Her lips parted, but no sound came forth. There must be a mistake sir,” she whispered. “I wish it was Elena. He said handing over the dismissal letter to her". "This decision wasn't easy, Elena. Believe me, the board struggled with it. If there had been another option, we would have taken it." Elena stared at the paper until the letters blurred through her tears. Only yesterday she had been worrying about assignments and examinations. Today, she no longer had a place at the university. She forced herself to stand. “Thank you… sir she said her voice almost breaking”. The principal watched her leave with sympathy written all over his face. Outside, the corridor fell strangely silent.Students stopped talking as she walked past. Some looked at her with pity,others weren't even trying to hide their amusement. One girl nudged another before turning her phone towards the group. “That's her.” “So it's true.” “She has no idea.” confused, Elena slowed her steps. Before she could ask what was happening, someone grabbed her wrist. “Maya?” Her best friend looked pale.“Elena…please don't panic.” “What happened?” Instead of answering, Maya handed her her phone. Every major news outlet carried the same headline. #REYES GROUP UNDER INVESTIGATION #INVESTORS THREATEN LEGAL ACTION #BUSINESS TYCOON DAREN REYES FACES FINANCIAL COLLAPSE. Elena scrolled in disbelief article after article accused her father of fraud, failed investments and owing enormous debts. “No… I can't believe this maya, this can't be true ". “It happened overnight,” Maya said quietly. “Everyone's talking about it.” Elena shook her head. " No my dad would never..." “I don't know what's true anymore,” Maya interrupted gently. “But you should go home.” With that Elena nodded and headed home. The moment she stepped inside the house, raised voices greeted her. “You promised we'd find another way!” “There isn't another way!” She froze. Her parents stood in the sitting room, arguing. Both looked exhausted. Her mother's eyes were swollen from crying. Her father looked like he hadn't slept in days. “Elena…” They hadn't expected her to come home so early.“Tell me what's going on,” she demanded. Silence. Finally, her father sat down heavily. “Our company has been targeted for months,” he began. “One failed investment became another. Banks withdrew their support. Investors lost confidence. Then the media got involved.” “Now everyone wants their money back,” her mother added. “We've tried everything.” Elena struggled to breathe, “So… it's all true?” Her father closed his eyes. “Yes.” “And my school?” “We can't afford it anymore.” Those words shattered the little hope she had left. Her dreams… Her education… Everything she'd worked for… Gone. That night, sleep refused to come. Questions filled her mind. How had everything collapsed so quickly? Could her father really have done what people were accusing him of? What would happen to them now? She cried herself to sleep without finding a single answer. The next morning.... BANG! BANG! BANG! The violent ringing of the gate alarm jolted everyone awake. Voices echoed through the compound. “Open the gate!” “Mr Reyes!” “We know you're inside!” Elena rushed downstairs. Outside stood nearly a dozen men. Loan sharks. Debt collectors. Neighbours had already gathered outside to watch. Her parents stood at the entrance, desperately trying to reason with them. Then Elena noticed someone standing a few metres away. Victor Kane. Her college mate. The same Victor who had once confessed his feelings to her. “What are you doing here?” she asked in disbelief. He didn't answer. Instead, he looked at the leader of the men. His face was completely expressionless. “Throw them out.” Elena's heart stopped. “What?” The men rushed forward immediately. Furniture crashed. Picture frames shattered. Their belongings were tossed onto the street like rubbish. “No!” “Please stop!” Her mother's cries went unanswered. Her father tried to intervene but was shoved aside. Elena looked at Victor, hoping to find even a trace of mercy. There was none. Or at least, none that he allowed her to see. Without another word, Victor turned around and climbed into his waiting car. The door closed behind him. Inside, he gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. Outside, Elena stood beside the scattered remains of her home. For the first time in her life… She realised she had lost everything. The distant wail of police sirens drifted through the morning air. The sound grew louder. Closer. Closer still. Her father slowly closed his eyes. “They've found us.” Elena turned towards the gate just as several police vehicles came to a stop outside.