A murmur moved through the ballroom.
I stepped behind the microphone.
“My name is Dr. Mara Ellis.”
“This year, the board received credible reports of improper influence, unauthorized access to protected preparation material, and financial pressure involving one competing school.”
Nathan rose halfway out of his seat.
“This is outrageous!”
I pressed a button.
The screen behind me changed.
I had been careful.
No unnecessary student information. Enrollin Classes
No public humiliation of Preston beyond what the evidence supported.
Only adult conduct.
A payment from Nathan Crowe to a former testing contractor.
Emails requesting “advance topic familiarity.”
A message from Celeste to a debate coach.
**Make sure Preston doesn’t get blindsided. Nathan paid enough.**
Gasps spread through the ballroom.
Celeste went pale.
Nathan shouted,
“Those are fake!”
I looked directly at him.
“They were authenticated by the state auditor this morning.”
Two officials stepped into his row.
One represented the academic board.
The other was from the attorney general’s office.
Preston looked toward his father.
“Dad?”
That single word changed the atmosphere.
For the first time, Nathan didn’t look powerful.
He looked exposed.
I turned back toward the audience.
“The student will not be accused of misconduct beyond what the evidence supports.” Enrollin Classes
I paused.
“But Crowe Preparatory’s submission is disqualified from the Governor’s Cup, and the adults named in the report are suspended pending formal review.”
Celeste covered her mouth.
Nathan stepped into the aisle.
