Chapter 156

Marie, recently returned from abroad, was unaware of the online storm surrounding Emma or Emma's multiple identities. She perceived Emma as merely an ordinary girl from a poor family with athletic talent.

Shortly afterward, numerous people arrived at the office. David's jaw dropped in fear at the sight of them outside the window. The school's senior leadership—principal, vice principal, secretary, grade manager, and sports director—were all present. The imposing man at the head, in uniform, exuded immense authority. Despite not knowing him, David felt the intense pressure.

The man approached Emma, his black boots echoing, and declared, "Emma, I am here." Marie was astonished by the man's handsome appearance and numerous badges, a rare sight in their country.

Richard, learning of Emma's unfair treatment, displayed controlled displeasure. "These are administrators from Charon Military School. Explain what happened to them; they will ensure justice!"

Emma glanced at the assembled group. Charon Military School was renowned for its strict, incorruptible culture. Her uncle had brought officials of high rank.

Intrigued, David prompted Emma to recount the entire incident. Richard's expression darkened as he listened, his face growing more ominous. When Emma finished, he said coldly, "Gentlemen, you've heard it all. You know what to do."

Richard had initially worried that revealing his relationship with Emma would cause her trouble, but his attempts at secrecy had inadvertently led to her near-bullying. As her uncle, he wouldn't tolerate her suffering a setback on his watch.

"Don't worry, Mr. Rivera. We will investigate!" one leader assured him.

"Thoroughly," another added.

"David, show us all relevant information! Concealment will have consequences!"

David felt immediate guilt. He had to locate the report on the wooden bridge's substance analysis. Under pressure, he opened an encrypted file revealing a special coating on the bridge—a colorless, odorless paint invisible to the naked eye. It caused sand to adhere and made the metal extremely slippery.

"So, someone sabotaged the bridge!"

Emma recalled the race. The bridge hadn't been overly slippery initially, but it became treacherous on her return. Someone had seemingly scattered sand between her crossings.

She frowned. "I demand access to that day's CCTV footage!"

Marie tried to reassure her. "Don't panic! There was plenty of sand under the obstacles. It might have been from your shoes."

Emma's cold smile betrayed her skepticism. "Oh? We'll see after reviewing the video."

"You!" Marie's reaction confirmed Emma's suspicions. Marie, Riley's friend and classmate, had clearly resorted to underhanded tactics.

Without further prompting from David, Richard commanded, "Get the video immediately!"

David's trembling hands retrieved the footage. The first group, including Marie, Emma, and Riley, was shown. Emma hadn't noticed the others lagging far behind.

The surveillance footage revealed Marie deliberately veering off course and lingering near Emma's bridge.

Richard zoomed in, but the sun made the image unclear. After adjusting contrast and brightness, a previously unseen object appeared—an object Marie left behind.

Richard compared the images. Before Marie crossed, the bridge's color blocks were uniform. After she passed, a shadow appeared precisely where Emma had fallen. Despite the low resolution, the colored blocks and liquid were clearly visible as Marie's handiwork. The sand from Marie's shoes had made the bridge slippery, causing Emma's near-fall.

Richard's face was grim; his eyes cold as he stared at Marie. "Well, how do you explain that?"

Marie stammered, "I... I don't know!"

"You don't? Fire her! Publicize it!" Richard declared.

Marie panicked, realizing public exposure meant more than expulsion; it would shame her entire family. She vehemently denied everything.

David, equally panicked, begged for forgiveness. "I didn't investigate properly! Please, another chance!"

Before Richard could respond, the principal intervened. "Such behavior is unacceptable. You're fired as well."

Marie nearly fainted. The principal's decision was final.

That afternoon, Charon announced the matter, cautioning others. Rumors spread quickly. Some suggested Emma, aided by a powerful, handsome benefactor, had orchestrated Marie's expulsion due to a personal dispute. Emma's true identity became a subject of intense curiosity.

Whispers circulated: "Marie is audacious; she dared to cheat on the monthly exam!"

"But why? Even if Emma fell, Riley would've won!"

"Emma is incredible! She broke the record despite being sabotaged!"

"Wait, something's missing! If Marie failed, Riley would've won! So..."

Riley, overhearing this, felt a surge of resentment.