Chapter 80
Frank stepped forward, attempting to mediate. “Mr. Andrews, from Margaret’s account, it seems your daughter spread rumors and deliberately slandered Aurora. While Aurora’s reaction wasn’t ideal, it was provoked. Is this truly a matter requiring such significant escalation?” Aurora was a high-achieving student. A strong SAT score would significantly boost Mercida High School's international enrollment. Frank was hesitant to escalate unless absolutely necessary.
Nancy crossed her legs, speaking with disdain. “Mr. Gill, that’s unreasonable. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Had Aurora behaved properly, this misunderstanding wouldn’t have occurred.”
Courtney Butler, Jenny’s mother, immediately agreed. “Exactly! It takes two to tango. My daughter is well-mannered and educated. Why would she target Aurora if there wasn’t a problem? The issue clearly lies with Aurora.”
Aurora responded with icy sarcasm. “Ma’am, why are you wearing a cocktail dress to school? And with bare legs, no less. Trying to seduce someone? I’ve heard you love these dresses. Is it to show off your figure? Did you land all your business deals by sleeping around?”
Nancy, enraged, stormed toward Aurora, hand raised. “Little bitch! I’ll teach you to watch your mouth!”
Aurora caught Nancy’s wrist, a mocking smile playing on her lips. “Why am I only talking about you? Something to hide? So many clothes, yet you chose that dress. Still claiming you’re not trying to attract attention?” She forcefully shoved Nancy away.
Nancy stumbled backward, her back hitting the teacher’s desk, knocking over a paper cup. Water soaked a corner of some photographs.
Nancy glared at Aurora. “You!”
Erik attempted to intervene, but Edward restrained him, suggesting they observe the situation. Their family had business ties with the Andrews family. If Aurora needed assistance, Erik could intervene later—a way to thank her for tutoring him.
Aurora recited, “Section 216 of the Criminal Code states that publicly insulting others through violence or other means, or fabricating facts to defame others, if the circumstances are serious, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years, criminal detention, public surveillance, or deprivation of political rights.”
Nancy, confused, asked, “What does that mean?”
Aurora laughed derisively, tossing photos onto the desk. “This is evidence of Alison’s false accusations. This isn’t about demerits or expulsion. I’m pressing criminal charges.”
Courtney’s face darkened. She carefully considered her options.
Aurora smiled. “Spreading fake news online can land you in hot water if it’s shared 500 times. Older folks might not recognize edits, but I’m confident the police will clear my name.” Aurora had already identified Alison’s alternate account as the original poster.
Alison bit her lip, a sense of foreboding washing over her. This wasn’t her first such stunt; previous victims hadn’t connected the dots. Even with suspicions, they’d avoided confrontation. She’d used similar tactics before, but overconfidence had made her careless. How can Aurora just do this? she thought. Doesn’t she have any shame?
Nancy, understanding Alison’s expression, tapped her forehead. “You never cease to give me headaches.” She mused that Alison should have paid someone else.
Aurora’s gaze swept across the room. She pointed at Alison and her friends. “You’re the ringleaders. I won’t let any of you off the hook.”
Courtney’s face paled. Their family lacked the influence of the Andrews family. She couldn’t allow her daughter to face legal trouble. She grabbed Jenny, pulling her before Aurora. “Aurora, Jenny’s young and naive. You’ve taught her a lesson. Let her apologize, and we’ll put this behind us.”
Daisy’s mother echoed this sentiment. Their families couldn’t afford the consequences of slander.
Jenny and Daisy’s faces burned with shame. They knew a criminal record would haunt them. They silently begged Alison for help.
Alison started to speak, but Nancy subtly stopped her.
Jaxon’s assistant, sensing the gravity of the situation and Aurora’s determination, discreetly messaged Jaxon.
Jenny’s mother urged, “What are you waiting for? Apologize now!”
Jenny hesitated. An apology would ruin her reputation.
Seeing Jenny’s defiance, Courtney slapped her back. “Apologize. Now!”
Tears welled in Jenny’s eyes. Resentment brewed; Why does Alison’s mother defend her, while mine forces me to apologize?
Jenny approached Aurora, bowing deeply. “I’m sorry.” Daisy followed suit.
Aurora raised an eyebrow. “I don’t accept your apology.”
The girls’ faces snapped up in surprise. Aurora continued, “You spread rumors that I was involved in compensated dating. You rallied others to throw water bottles and trash at me. You encouraged them to hurl insults at me on the main school road. If I were a fragile girl, your actions might have driven me to the brink of madness.”