Chapter 48: The Truth, Brooke York’s True Colors
At these words, a smile crept onto Brooke York’s lips. She was one hundred percent certain he was about to bring up Chloe York finding a sugar daddy.
’It seems that man I saw the other day really is Chloe York’s sugar daddy. I guess I hit the jackpot by chance.’
Seeing that Chloe York was the only student standing on the stage, everyone else also assumed the principal was talking about her.
"Next, I’m going to show everyone a video. This video reveals the truth about Chloe York allegedly three-timing a few days ago."
Jordan Walton glanced to the side of the stage. Receiving the signal, the gym teacher did something on the computer, and a moment later, the video began to play on the large screen.
The video was set in the school cafeteria, where Chloe York, Evan Shaw, and Stella Winters were eating together. Not far from them, Brooke York could be seen holding up her phone to take a picture of the group. A timestamp was also visible on the screen.
"So three of them were eating together! And Brooke York was the one who secretly took the photo."
"Brooke York photoshopped the other girl out."
"Oh my god, she’s so awful. No wonder she had such good grades when she first transferred here. Turns out she’s just a real schemer!" The students broke into a clamor of discussion.
Brooke York stared at the video on the large screen, the color draining from her face until it was ghastly white. ’How can this be? Why is this happening? There are security cameras? Why would they think to check them? And why show it so brazenly, in front of the whole school? Why are they doing this to me?’
As if possessed, Brooke York stared at the large screen, her movements stiff as she shook her head. The surrounding students fixed their disgusted and loathing gazes upon her.
The screen then switched to another video. This time, the scene was a classroom. Chloe York could be seen saying something to her deskmate before walking over to Henry Ford.
A moment later, Henry Ford was rummaging through his desk before handing a piece of paper to Chloe York. Chloe then returned to her seat and began copying its contents. Finally, she taped the new paper to the corner of her desk—it was clearly a class schedule.
The security footage again showed Brooke York secretly taking a photo. This time, the students couldn’t hold back, their chatter growing louder and louder.
They were all just high school students, after all; they couldn’t believe someone their own age could be so malicious.
"Someone like Brooke York is terrifying. Using such dirty tricks to frame another girl at her age..."
"I never would have guessed Brooke York was so awful. She always puts on such a kind and gentle act."
"And poor Campus Prince Shaw, getting dragged into all this."
The students from Third-Year Class 6 standing next to Brooke York subconsciously edged away from her. They had never met anyone so malicious before.
A student farther away remembered what Brooke had said in the classroom just before the assembly and quickly added their two cents.
"In the classroom just now, she was spreading a rumor that Chloe York had a sugar daddy! I almost believed her."
"Of course she started that rumor too. We’re all girls here; doesn’t she know that spreading rumors like that can ruin someone’s life?"
"Damn, what a bitch. She really takes the cake."
Miles York hadn’t expected Brooke York to pull something like this at school. He was a little disappointed that Chloe York wasn’t actually involved with Evan Shaw and Henry Ford, but...
...he was far more disappointed in Brooke. He had thought she was turning out well, especially with her good grades. He never imagined she would try to destroy Chloe.
’He had raised Chloe all these years. If Brooke ruined her, it would be a major loss.’
Even though Brooke York was standing some distance from the stage, Chloe York’s eyes found her instantly. Of all the girls at the assembly, Brooke was the only one standing perfectly still, her eyes boring into Chloe—a gaze impossible to ignore.
’What, so now you’re angry? Did you ever stop to think how hurtful your actions were when you were slandering me? I thought Brooke would try to argue, but she’s just a kid. Since she’s not denying it, I guess my audio recording is useless now.’
"As these two videos show, the rumors about Chloe York three-timing were entirely fabricated. I hope all students will take this as a cautionary tale and focus on your studies without distractions. That is the way to get into a good university and live up to your potential."
"Now, homeroom teachers, please lead your students back to class. All discussion of this matter is strictly forbidden. Today’s morning run is also canceled."
’Well,’ Jordan Walton thought, ’Chloe York wanted her name cleared, and I’ve done that. I should stop the students from discussing it any further to keep Brooke from getting more upset. This way, I can also do a bit of damage control so Mr. York doesn’t blame me.’
"You’re not going to have Brooke York come up here and apologize to me?" Chloe asked Jordan Walton.
"Chloe, that’s up to Brooke. We have no authority to force her to apologize," Jordan Walton said, secretly thinking Chloe was being unreasonable.
’I already cleared her name, which is more than enough. Now she wants a public apology? Has she forgotten she’s the fake daughter and Brooke is the real one?’
’Besides, I’m trying to help her. Miles York is standing right here. Shouldn’t she be more understanding? If she were, maybe Miles would still take her side. After all, he raised her, and being so sensible would work in her favor.’
"Principal, if I recall correctly, Chloe saved your child. Is this how you treat your family’s benefactor?" Ethan Prescott interjected coolly.
Jordan Walton hadn’t expected Ethan Prescott to speak up for Chloe. ’Doesn’t everyone say he favors the real daughter over the fake one? What’s going on? Why is he taking the fake daughter’s side?’
Miles York was also surprised to see Ethan Prescott speak up for Chloe. His eyes darted between the two of them. ’Even though Ethan likes Brooke now,’ he thought, ’he and Chloe were childhood friends. There must still be some lingering affection.’
"Ethan, I understand. Don’t worry, I’ll have Brooke apologize to Chloe when we get home," Miles York assured him.
Ethan didn’t reply, looking instead to Chloe.
"That won’t be necessary. I’ve already moved out, after all. Just have her post a written apology to me on the school’s Confession Wall."
’Since she used the Confession Wall to ruin my reputation, she can use it to apologize.’
"That’s acceptable," Ethan immediately agreed.
With both of them in agreement, Miles York had no choice but to concede, however reluctantly. "Fine, fine."
All the way back to class, Brooke York could feel the other students’ stares and hear their hushed whispers.
Clara Bell chose not to walk with Brooke York either. She never imagined the school would think to check the security footage, let alone broadcast it to everyone..
At the same time, she breathed a sigh of relief. ’Good thing Brooke didn’t ask me to take those pictures. If she had, I definitely would have done it. And thank god they didn’t look into who made the posts, or I’d have been exposed as her accomplice.’
’Looks like I’m in the clear now!’ Clara Bell silently heaved another sigh of relief. But just as she did, her relieved expression was caught by Brooke York.