Chapter 6

**Vivian’s POV**

I didn't reply to any of the threads.

I went to the records office to retrieve my files. When I came out, I ran straight into Melanie.

Her hand was still wrapped in gauze, and she was surrounded by a few of her classmates.

Seeing me, her smile faltered. "What are you still doing at school?"

"Paperwork."

"For Carmel?" Melanie sneered. "That place is a barren desert. You’re actually going? Well, makes sense. Staying in New York would only remind everyone of your cheap scandal."

I stared at her. "Whether I leave or stay has nothing to do with you."

Melanie’s eyes flashed with anger. She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper only the two of us could hear. "You think getting some footage will save you? Vivian, don’t forget. Your mother’s reputation is still in my mother’s hands. If we want to, she will always be a dirty homewrecker."

My fingers tightened around my files.

Melanie always knew exactly where to stab me.

If she had mentioned my mother in the past, I would have lost my mind.

But this time, I just looked up. "Then you better make sure your story has no loopholes."

Before Melanie could react, Chloe came rushing from the other end of the hallway, holding up her phone. "So sorry to interrupt, but I was just live-streaming! Melanie, care to explain to the viewers what you mean by 'her mother’s reputation is in your mother's hands'?"

Melanie’s face drained of color.

The surrounding students began to whisper.

I didn't stay to watch the drama. I hugged my file folder tightly and walked away from the crowded hallway.

I was done fighting with Melanie.

I knew where I was going, and I knew how I would speak for myself from now on.

That live stream quickly went viral on the university forum.

People started questioning Melanie’s sweet, innocent persona. Some even traced the hate threads about me and realized they all originated from the same few IP addresses.

I didn't participate in the online discussions, but I took screenshots of every single thread.

I no longer expected others to fight for my justice, but I would make sure every piece of malice left a paper trail.

That night, the Vance family sent a car to pick me up.

The driver said my father demanded I return home immediately. The Sterling family elders were also there.

Chloe tried to stop me, but I thought about it and said, "I'll go."

"Why?!"

"For the last time."

The Vance mansion was brilliantly lit.

Julian was sitting on the sofa, looking noticeably more exhausted than a few days ago.

Seeing me walk in, his first question was actually, "Where have you been staying?"

I didn't answer.

My father slid a new statement toward me. "Melanie’s engagement is around the corner. We can't have any negative press. Sign this. Admit that you and your friend edited that live stream to frame Melanie."

I looked down at the paper and suddenly laughed.

It was amazing how biased a human heart could be.

I picked up the pen. But instead of signing, I ripped the paper in half right in front of my father's relieved face.

"I am never taking the fall for any of you again."

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