“We really can't think of any reason she'd cheat.”
"Unless someone set her up."
Lemuel had been unsure at first, but after Claire explained that it was her adoptive mother behind everything, he actually felt a wave of relief. If Claire hadn't cheated, then he was going to stand by his student, no matter what.
Across campus, Claire was led by Fletcher into the math competition office. Another teacher was already there, the head of the competition committee. Fletcher introduced him as Sammie and quickly filled him in on Claire's situation.
Sammie looked Claire over and motioned to a chair. "Take a seat, Claire. There's no need to be nervous. I know things online are getting out of hand, but we still believe in you. We've gone through your grades from the past three years. They're impressive. Especially your math scores. You pretty much aced every test. You've also always ranked first in competitions. With a record like that, none of us think you'd ever cheat."
He paused, his tone gentle. "Still, we have to do a proper investigation and give the public a clear answer. It's the only way to calm everyone down and make sure you can join the winter camp without any doubts. I hope you understand."
Claire nodded, meeting his eyes without flinching. "I get where you're coming from. I'm okay with being investigated and even retested if you need me to. But I also want to find out who started these rumors online."
Sammie didn't look surprised. “And if we figure out who it is, what do you want to do?"
"I want to call the police," Claire said, not even hesitating.
Sammie blinked, a little taken aback, but he didn't argue. He'd seen a lot in his career, and he knew just how much damage rumors could do.
"If your theory is right and your adoptive mother is behind all this, getting the police involved might mean you'll have to face her in court. Have you thought about that? Public opinion might not be on your side either. You have to deal with a tot of backlash."
Claire stayed calm. "I know. But I'm not going to let the person spreading lies get away with it. The internet isht outside the law if she can use it to hurt me, she could do the same to someone else. I'm willing to take the heat if it means stopping her."
Sammie gave her a long look, clearly impressed by her honesty. Fletcher, though, was frowning in the corner.
"Sammie, if Claire goes to the police, this could..." His voice trailed off, but everyone knew what he was worried about Things could get even messier, The math competition had never been this high-profile before, and Fletcher wasn't sure the association could handle that kind of attention.
Sammie and Claire both understood what he meant. But if Claire didn't stand up for herself, her adoptive mother might just get bolder next time.
"Even if it isn't her adoptive mother, whoever's behind this doesn't deserve our
protection,” Sammie said, his voice firm. "People who hide and spread rumors should be held accountable."
"We're not trying to protect them..." Fletcher tried to argue, but Sammie cut him off with a simple gesture.
"I get what you're saying, Fletcher. But in this situation, we need to respect Claire's decision. She's the one at the center of all this. Take her to the police station."
Sammie had made up his mind. Fletcher still looked uneasy. He wasn't sure the other teachers would stand behind the decision, but for now, it was settled.