Chapter 6
The official bulletin rocketed to the top of the trending topics. Within minutes, the comment section exploded with over ten housand responses.
I didn’t expect the tables to turn so fast. It’s a shame Vice President Vance won’t ever see this.”
Punish the ones who started the rumors!”
That mob that harassed them at their own front door… don’t they feel any shame? Now that the truth is out, do any of them have he guts to apologize?”
God, it wasn’t even the same heart! Cyberbullying really does kill people!”
The original Twitter post attacking Arthur Vance had already been banned.
At the Sterling house, the bedroom was dim. Vaughn Sterling stood by the window, his face grim as he watched the online storm ntensify. He stared at the official police bulletin, his brows furrowed tight.
How was this possible?
hree years ago, he was certain Arthur Vance had used his position to steal the heart meant for Corliss Mercer. Because she hadn’t eceived the transplant in time, Corliss had been at death’s door, nearly losing her life.
Vaughn remembered it vividly. He had stayed by her side during those years. Just days before her scheduled surgery back then, they vere told it was off-the donor heart was “incompatible.”
Corliss’s father had investigated and found that the heart had been transplanted into the Vice President’s son, Rowan Vance.
but now, the official bulletin was right in front of him. Which side was he supposed to believe?
ust then, the door burst open.
Corliss Mercer rushed in, looking frantic. “Vaughn! I just asked my dad… the investigator he hired back then made a mistake. The
eart that was supposed to go to me… the donor’s family really did back out at the last second. No one stole it.”
Taughn’s entire body stiffened. His throat felt tight, and he couldn’t find his voice for a long time.
What do we do? What do we do now?” Corliss’s eyes darted toward the laptop on the desk, her voice trembling with helplessness. The police are going to investigate the account that started the rumors. That handle was registered under my ID. They’re going to ind me. Vaughn, I’m so scared. I don’t want to go to jail…”
Taughn’s breath hitched. He forced himself to stay calm, gently patting Corliss’s back. “Don’t be scared. I’m here. I won’t let you go
o jail.”
The truth was, he had planned to release those private videos of Elara Vance during Freshman Orientation before leaking the candal about Arthur. He wanted to deliver a double blow to the Vance family.
But two days ago, Corliss had suffered another heart episode in the art room. They had talked about the past, and she had decided to
eak the “evidence” early.
Vaughn had agreed. After all, Corliss was the “victim” in his eyes. It was her right to expose her scars whenever she wanted.
Together, they had compiled all the “evidence” of Arthur Vance’s alleged corruption and kickbacks, then posted it online.
Vaughn had imagined the scene of Arthur Vance being brought to justice, finally paying for the crimes he’d gotten away with for three years.
He hadn’t expected Arthur to jump to his death.
“Good riddance. He got off easy,” Vaughn had muttered when he first saw the news of the suicide.
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At the same time, he’d felt a twisted sense of regret-regret that Arthur wouldn’t live to see how “wanton” his daughter was in bed.
He didn’t care. He still intended to release those videos to make sure Elara’s mother and brother suffered. He wasn’t going to let inyone who hurt Corliss off the hook.
But now, the “facts” he had built his life on for three years were shattered.
Arthur Vance hadn’t abused his power. Rowan Vance hadn’t stolen Corliss’s heart. Elara… was innocent.
nnocent.
The word made Vaughn’s heart ache sharply.
He had only been with her for revenge. He had deceived an innocent girl for three entire years.
Vaughn closed his eyes, trying to block out the thought.
t didn’t matter. Once school started, he would find an excuse to break up with her. She would never have to know why he had lated her in the first place. That was the only way to minimize the damage.
Corliss,” Vaughn said, his voice low. “Tell your father to find the person who gave him that wrong information. When the police tart their investigation, we’ll submit the incorrect records. We can prove we were just misled and accused an innocent man by
nistake.”
Okay… I’ll tell him right now.” Corliss grabbed her phone to type, her fingertips shaking.
Vaughn pulled her into a protective hug. “We’re victims in this, too. If anything happens, I’ll take the heat. Don’t be afraid.”
Corliss nodded through her tears, clinging to him. Their bodies were pressed together, their warmth bleeding through their
lothes.
Vaughn… thank you.” Corliss looked up at him. “As long as you’re here, I feel safe.”
Vaughn watched as Corliss closed her eyes. Her pale pink lips moved closer to his.
n a daze, Elara’s face flashed before his eyes.
Elara rarely initiated kisses. She was always shy, forced to endure his heated advances.
His gaze darkened. Just as Corliss’s lips were about to touch his, he clamped his hand behind her head and pressed her face against
is chest.
Corliss, I’ve been keeping something from you-my relationship with Elara Vance.” Vaughn took a deep breath. “We aren’t just lassmates. We’re dating. I only stayed with her to get revenge for what I thought her father did. Now that the truth is out, there’s
10 reason to continue.”
He paused. “The one I love is you. But I don’t want us to start something while things are messy. I’ll break up with her after school tarts. Then, we can be together properly.”
Corliss’s face flushed. “…Okay.”
The next morning, Vaughn was downstairs with his luggage. He opened his messaging app and found Elara’s profile: He began yping a message.
What’s done is done, and the dead cannot return, but life goes on. Uncle Arthur would surely want you to pull yourself together and keep living. I’m heading to the school first. When will you be finished with the funeral? I’ll pick you up at the airport.]
Vaughn hit send.
A second later, the message failed.
[Elara Vance has enabled friend confirmation. You are not her contact.]
She had deleted him.
