Chapter 319

Sandy lay in her hospital bed, scrolling through her phone when she saw the news about Lydia’s perfect score and the cheating scandal blowing up online.
If she didn’t already know Lydia was Miracle Hands’ protégé and a mega influencer with millions of followers, she probably would have assumed the same as everyone else — that Lydia had cheated. But now, Sandy couldn’t help but pause and think about it.
As much as it stung to admit, Lydia really was more talented than she was. If only she could master the same skills as Lydia, maybe she could be just as impressive. The thought lingered in her mind.
Capital Med School? Lydia had scored perfectly and chosen Capital Med School? Did that mean Capital Med School was just as good as Capital College and Oakwood College? Sandy glanced at her own final exam scores, and for the first time, a new kind of ambition sparked inside her.
Meanwhile, the situation at school was spiraling. Ms. Santoro’s accusation had set off a wildfire on the internet, drawing the attention of the Ministry of Education. On top of that, two separate teams from the Capital showed up at school to investigate.
Aiden, Connor’s executive assistant, arrived first with his team. Not long after, Andrew, Cameron’s chief of staff, walked in with his own group. When the two men saw each other, they both stopped for a second, caught off guard.
It was almost funny. Both Aiden and Andrew were power players in the Capital – the kind of guys CEOs tried desperately to impress. Now they were standing in the tiny town of Lakeview, all because of a high school cheating rumor. It felt like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
But neither of them complained. When the true heiress of the richest family in the country and the Jefferson family’s future daughter-in-law wes involved, no job was too small.
Of course, not everyone recognized who they were dealing with. Ms. Santoro eyed the newcomers, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “And who exactly are you to Lydia? Our school’s reputation is in tatters because of her. Why isn’t she here facing the music? Is she hiding now that her secret’s out?”
She couldn’t help but wonder: Weren’t Lydia’s real parents supposedly dirt poor? So who were these people with their expensive suits and confident attitudes? Something didn’t add up.
Aiden and Andrew had already done their homework on Silverpine High and Ms. Santoro. When she confronted them, they both just glanced at her with thinly veiled contempt.
Ms. Santoro felt her pride take a hit. She was supposed to be the most attractive teacher at Silverpine High Even though she was over fourty she still turned heads with her looks and figure. So why were these men acting like she was invisible?
Aiden spoke up first, all business. “Mr. Colton, since the Ministry of Education is
here, can we check the surveillance footage from the exams?”
He made a mental note to ask his boss for a raise later. At this rate, he was basically ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ͟.net
a superhero, tackling any assignment without fail.
Mr. Colton, the chubby principal, grinned nervously. “Of course, but I have to ask, who are you really?”
He knew Jenson and Milana well. In the past, he’d let Lydia get away with a lot just for their sake. But now, with rumors flying that Lydia wasn’t even their biological daughter and her real parents were from some remote, poor village he was confused.
Minister Grayson from the Ministry of Education, who had been briefed by his superiors, cut in. “They’re here for Lydia’s case. Please bring up the surveillance footage.”
Since Lydia’s exam was held at their own school, pulling up the video would be quick.
With Minister Grayson giving the order, Mr. Colton didn’t dare argue. “Alright. Let’s all head to the monitoring room.”
Watching everyone file out, Ms. Santoro felt a chill in her gut. Lydia’s parents were supposed to be broke, so how did all these powerful people get involved?
Still, thinking back on Lydia’s record and grades, she scoffed silently. No matter who showed up, she was absolutely sure Lydia hadn’t gotte that perfect score on her own. If Lydia really did, Ms. Santoro would eat her hat.