When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0800

Evelyn replied, “You need to go. Don’t think that just because you got into grad school, you can stop maintaining relationships. Your grades are still in their hands. Sending a little something never hurts. Look at the gourmet honey and bracelets from last time…”

“Gifts, gifts, gifts! All you ever think about is sending gifts! That’s called bribery, do you even understand?” Tina shouted back at her in frustration.

Evelyn froze for a moment, then jabbed her finger at Tina’s forehead. “You ungrateful daughter! Who do you think I’m sending gifts for? Am I stupid enough to send boxes of expensive things to someone else for no reason? Without those gifts, do you think you’d be thriving under your mentor’s care?”

Tina’s face twisted into a bitter smile. She began to laugh with tears streaming down her face, her voice laced with sarcasm. “For me? Really, was it all for me?”

Evelyn stared at her, stunned. “What’s wrong with you? Don’t scare me like this…”

“Admit it,” Tina snapped, swatting away Evelyn’s hand. “You’re doing all of this for your pride, to make up for your own regrets!

Her voice grew louder. “It’s all because you didn’t graduate from a top university! Because you went into showbiz at a young age, and even though you married my dad, Grandma always looked down on you for your low education and poor background!

“That’s why you demanded so much from me and my brother–perfect grades, top universities, studying abroad, grad school, even a PhD!

“But I can’t do it! I can’t be the best, and I can’t get into grad school on my own merit. Just like you, I’m not cut out for this academic nonsense! I deserve to be looked down on!

“Now Sophie’s under investigation, and the bribes we gave her have been exposed. The college is going to expel me! Is this what you wanted?”

Her outburst ended in a sob, and Tina stormed upstairs, leaving Evelyn frozen in place.

The mask on her face fell to the floor, and the beauty device slipped from her limp hand. Her straight posture slumped, and her once–youthful demeanor seemed to age a decade in mere seconds.

The uproar over the academic scandal shook the university and rippled through the broader public. The college worked frantically to manage the fallout, restoring its reputation, while online commentators celebrated what they called a historic victory for academic integrity.

Meanwhile, Joli, the whistleblower at the center of it all, disappeared into obscurity.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0800

Though his actions had sparked widespread change, he now found himself isolated.

Sophie had been dealt with. She was fired from Bedford College and stripped of her academic titles. The scandal had reached its conclusion in the public eye, but for Joli, the personal consequences lingered. His academic career was now in limbo.

Despite the college’s official efforts to help him find a new mentor, every attempt ended in rejection. No professor wanted to be associated with him.

In public spaces, students avoided him, and mentors subtly evaded his presence, afraid to be dragged into controversy.

Joli endured the isolation silently. The only person who stayed by his side was Theodore, his steadfast supporter.

“Hey, want to go to the cafeteria together?” Theodore asked.

“No, you go ahead. I’ll wait until it’s less crowded,” Joli replied with a faint smile.

“Don’t be like this, Joli,” Theodore pleaded, his voice tinged with guilt. “It hurts to see you like this. You’re a hero in my eyes, a savior for all of us. I hate myself for being so useless, for not being able to help you…”

Joli patted his shoulder reassuringly. “I’m fine, really. I knew the risks when I made this decision, and I don’t regret it.”

“But… no one’s willing to take you under them now. How will you graduate now?” Theodore turned his head, tears evident in his eyes.

Joli chuckled softly. “Which advisor would want a student with a history of whistleblowing? Who knows, I might end up turning on them too. I don’t blame anyone for being cautious. Everyone is just protecting themselves.”

“But still…” Theodore started, but Joli’s phone buzzed, cutting him off.

“Hello?” Joli answered.

“Joli, it’s Madison,” a voice on the other end said. “Are you free? Miranda wants to meet with you.”