Chapter 5 I Came Here Fair and Square
While Maria searched the entire school for the girl in the hoodie from that night, Jennifer strolled across campus with her books.
Monday meant class with Mr. Scott Davis.
He was notorious for his strictness.
Before the lesson had even begun, a girl covered her face and ran out of the classroom crying.
“This is terrible work! If all your assignments look like this, don’t bother coming back!”
When Mr. Davis lost his temper, the entire classroom fell silent.
As soon as she entered, Jennifer saw Emily carrying her homework up to the front.
Davis glanced at Emily’s work, his expression showing brief satisfaction.
Just then, Emily whispered something in his ear.
His face darkened instantly, and his gaze turned cold and grim as he fixed it on Jennifer standing by the door.
“You two. Come with me to my office.”
Jennifer shot a glance at Emily, who wore an expression clearly anticipating drama.
Jennifer knew immediately: Emily must have told Professor Davis she lost the Hunter’s Book.
“Jennifer, where’s the Hunter’s Book I lent you last week?”
Seeing Jennifer’s silence, Professor Davis’ expression darkened further.
“I lent you my most precious manuscript because I saw your talent and dedication.
Don’t tell me you lost it!”
Professor Davis was a big shot at the school.
As his voice rose, the other young professors in the office fell silent.
Emily, standing nearby, said,
“Jennifer, something that valuable… you wouldn’t just lose it. You’re usually organized. Maybe you misplaced it?”
Seeing Jennifer still silent, Emily continued, her intent masked:
“That manuscript is worth millions. If we report it missing and it shows up at your home later, you’ll be in serious trouble…”
The teachers in the office paled.
Wasn’t Emily implying Jennifer was a thief?
“Emily, don’t jump to conclusions. It may still turn up.”
“Exactly. Jennifer’s an excellent student — she wouldn’t do such a thing.”
Seeing no one believed her accusation, a malicious glint flashed in Emily’s eyes.
“Jennifer, it’s nothing personal. But since you’re from a low-income family, it’s best to find something so valuable quickly… to avoid people talking.”
Although she claimed to “avoid gossip,” every word thrust Jennifer deeper into suspicion.
Finally, Jennifer — who had remained silent — began to defend herself.
The moment she spoke, she stunned everyone.
“Mr. Davis, I kept your Hunter’s Book locked in my bookcase. But a few days ago, someone broke the lock and stole it.”
“So I secured another copy as compensation until the real thief is caught.”
With that, she pulled out an identical copy from her backpack.
Every teacher in the office, including Emily, stared at Jennifer in disbelief.
A second Hunter’s Book? That meant…
Mr. Davis examined the book, confirming its authenticity.
As he watched Emily’s face drain of color, Jennifer’s smile brightened.
“I got it by sleeping with him. Feel free to spread that around.”
“Jennifer, are you out of your mind?!”
Emily couldn’t believe it.
Michael — the perfect, untouchable Michael — interested in Jennifer?
Skinny, petite Jennifer?
But…
If it wasn’t true, why would Michael give her something so rare?
Panic washed over Emily.
Jennifer stepped forward, cupped Emily’s chin, and whispered:
“Don’t believe me? Then tonight, I’ll take you to meet him yourself.
How about that?”
Emily flinched.
But remembering tonight’s important event, she snapped back, shouting: “You’re insane! Jennifer, you’re completely insane! Nothing you say is true!”
Just as Jennifer was about to respond, her phone rang.
She hurried toward the hospital.
⸻
At the hospital, Jennifer — who had been so aggressive moments ago — was drenched in sweat and spoke urgently.
“Doctor, my mother just had surgery two days ago.
How can she be discharged now?”
The doctor didn’t dare say the truth.
“We… have no choice. The hospital is short on beds. I’ll give you detailed care instructions. You can hire a caregiver — she’ll be fine.”
A caregiver?
Every doctor in the hospital knew how financially strained Jennifer’s family was.
Her mother’s hospitalization had only been possible after borrowing money everywhere.
Earlier treatments had been delayed due to insufficient funds.
Now, just as they finally secured a bed, the hospital was forcing them out.
They couldn’t afford a caregiver.
“Doctor… did someone pull strings to take my mother’s bed?”
The doctor froze.
He didn’t expect someone so young to see straight through it.
But this couldn’t be discussed openly.
Jennifer saw his reaction — which only confirmed her suspicion.
“Doctor… can you tell me the name of the patient who took my mother’s bed?”
