Chapter six
Ethan couldn't believe what he was seeing. "It can't be," he said, slowly running his hands through the crest he was seeing. He immediately opened his door to check if he was being monitored, but everywhere was dark, making it hard for him to see.
Ethan got back in and brought out his system. His hand darted over the keypad as he goggled at the crest he was looking at. It came up with information with the name Richard Sterling.
Everyone knows who he was. He was the wealthiest man in the city and not only that.
Richard Sterling was a highly respected and accomplished businessman, known for his impeccable integrity and philanthropic efforts. He was a self-made billionaire, having built his fortune through hard work, innovative thinking, and a commitment to excellence.
As a pillar of the community, Richard Sterling was admired for his generosity and kindness. He was a devoted supporter of various charitable causes, and his contributions had made a significant impact on the lives of many.
Despite his immense wealth and influence, Richard Sterling remained humble and grounded, earning the respect and admiration of those who knew him. His reputation as a good man, guided by strong values and principles, was well-deserved, and he was widely regarded as one of the most respected and beloved members of society.
Ethan couldn't believe his eyes. "Could the man who he had looked up to since his childhood be his father?" He soliloquized as he stared at the screen right in front of him.
This could be a game changer for him considering how Tessa, as Derek, has humiliated him and made him a laughingstock in the school.
The thought of how he was going to find out who he really was gnawed at him. Ethan knew whoever had dropped the paper in his room knew more than he was actually letting on.
"Who could it be?"
Ethan stood up, pacing his room. He landed on the bed and slowly drifted into a long sleep.
[THE FOLLOWING MORNING]
The sound of the chirping bird woke Ethan up. The sun penetrated through the curtain into his room, almost blindfolding him. Ethan yawned lazily as he tried to block the ray of the sun using the back of his hands.
He hit the blaring alarm that was making too much noise. Grabbing his wristwatch, his eyes nearly fell off their socket when he noticed he was late for class.
He had used the night to Google and search for every detail and clue about who Richard Sterling was.
Walking into the bathroom, his mind went back to Tesda and how he had used him. Trying not to think too much about it, he walked into his room and saw Dylan's call. He squeezed his face. He didn't remember giving him his number.
"Hey man, don't come to school today." Dylan said immediately he picked the call.
"How did you get my number?" Ethan asked. "Wrong question, dude. You should rather be asking me why I asked you not to come down to the school." Dylan replied.
Ethan looked at himself in the full-length mirror. "Why? Is anything happening today?"
"Tessa kept ranting, saying you cornered her and you have been collecting some money from her for doing her assignment. The school authorities are going to have you suspended."
The word "suspended." Came as a shock to Ethan. "But I didn't do anything wrong. I have just been helping her out."
"Long story, man. Don't show your face at school today." Dylan said again, and the line went dead.
For a moment, Ethan felt lost. He had done nothing but help Tessa since his first day at school.
Why is she going to extra lengths to see him crumble?
Was this part of the plan to get Derek's attention, or was she trying to drag his name in the mud?
Ethan knew staying at home would only make things worse. He grabbed his clothes and immediately found his way out of the house. If he was going to be suspended, then the board needed to hear his own side of the story.
Getting into the school compound, all eyes were on Ethan as some of them whispered he must have cheated his way to gain the school's scholarship.
Dylan rushed towards him. "I can't believe you decided to show up even after I warned you. What do you plan on achieving with coming, huh?"
Don't you think not coming at all is sending a clear message that I did it?" Ethan looked at Dylan's face. "Well, you need to be ready to bear the blame because the board will never suspend someone like Tessa. She is invisible."
Ethan sighed. He knew Dylan was telling the truth, but still he wanted his voice to be heard.
As they walked towards the administrative building, Ethan could feel the weight of the students' stares upon him. He knew he had to stand up for himself, no matter how daunting the task seemed.
Upon entering the administrative building, they were greeted by the stern face of the principal. "Ah, Ethan, I see you've decided to show up despite the allegations against you."
Ethan stood tall, his voice firm. "I'm here to clear my name, sir. I didn't cheat or extort money from Tessa. I've been helping her with her assignments, and she's been spreading lies about me."
The principal raised an eyebrow. "I see. Well, we'll have to investigate these claims further. In the meantime, I'm afraid you'll have to face the disciplinary committee."
Ethan nodded, expecting as much. "I'm ready to cooperate, sir."
Just then, Tessa walked into the room, a smug look on her face. "Ah, perfect timing. I see Ethan's decided to show up and face the music."
Ethan's eyes narrowed, his anger simmering just below the surface. "You're enjoying this, aren't you, Tessa? Spreading lies about me, trying to ruin my reputation."
Tessa's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "I'm just telling the truth, Ethan. You're the one who's been trying to manipulate me all along."
The principal held up his hand, silencing the argument. "Enough. We'll let the disciplinary committee sort this out. Ethan, you're suspended pending the outcome of the investigation."
Ethan's heart sank, but he knew he had to fight for his reputation. He turned to leave, but not before catching Tessa's eye. "This isn't over," he whispered, his eyes blazing with determination.
As he walked out of the principal's office, a man walked up to him. "Are you Ethan?" He asked, staring at him. Ethan nodded, feeling like he could burst into tears any second. "Yes." He said gently. "Then you are the right person I am looking for."
" Huh?" Ethan looked at him, not sure what he meant.