Genius Kids' Scheme: Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire Chapter 134

Irene pulled into Silver City Experimental High's parking lot and killed the engine. Ethan sat beside her, silent for most of the drive, his fingers nervously tapping against his knee.

"Ready?" she asked, keeping her voice steady.

Ethan nodded, eyes fixed on the imposing brick building. "As I'll ever be."

Irene stepped out in a cream pantsuit that meant business. Every detail had been chosen with a purpose—today wasn't about blending in but making it damn clear that Ethan had someone who wouldn't back down.

As they walked through the hallways, the whispers started. Students stared, their curious eyes following them. Irene kept her chin up and her steps purposeful. Ethan slouched slightly beside her, but the defeat in his shoulders was gone. Standing tall took effort when you'd been knocked down, but having someone in your corner made all the difference.

"Principal's office is this way," he muttered, nodding toward a corridor.

They rounded the corner just as the office door opened. Anna stepped out clutching a folder, a smug smile playing on her lips. When she spotted them, surprise flashed across her face before settling into something cold and calculated.

"Well," she said, eyes darting between them, "didn't expect to see you here."

Irene didn't blink. "Clearly."

Anna's smile stuck like plastic. "You're wasting your time. The committee already accepted my recommendation to revoke Ethan's eligibility." She patted her folder. "It's basically a done deal."

Irene stepped forward, forcing Anna to either step back or stand awkwardly close. Anna retreated half a step.

"I don't remember anyone putting you in charge of Sterling decisions," Irene said, voice calm but sharp as she pulled out a leather portfolio. "I've brought the family's asset verification and our lawyer's contact info."

She locked eyes with Anna. "If the school makes unfair judgments based on lies, I've got plenty of resources to demand they reevaluate the entire scholarship program."

Anna's smile flickered. "You think throwing money around fixes everything? This is about principles."

"Principles?" Irene let out a short laugh. "That's rich coming from you. What exactly gives you the right to speak for the family?"

Anna's knuckles went white around her folder. Before she could fire back, Principal Jackson appeared in the doorway, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Ms. Sterling," he said, offering his hand. "We weren't expecting you."

"Obviously," Irene replied, shaking his hand firmly. "Let's discuss these accusations against my brother."

Jackson ushered them inside where two staff members—presumably from the disciplinary committee—sat looking like they'd rather be anywhere else.

"Ms. Sterling," Jackson started once they were seated, "the school has certain procedures—"

"Show me the evidence," Irene cut in. "And I want to talk to every witness. Making decisions without solid proof is just sloppy."

Jackson's smile tightened. "We have protocols that we follow carefully—"

"Great. Let me see the investigation report and evidence," Irene interrupted again. "Otherwise, we can take this straight to the education board."

"There's no need for threats," Anna jumped in, voice honey-sweet. "That won't help Ethan's reputation."

Irene turned to face her directly. "I care more about justice than reputation. But you wouldn't get the difference."

The air crackled like static before a storm. Everyone in the room seemed to hold their breath at once.

Irene leaned forward, addressing the committee. "So about this 'investigation'—did anyone check the handwriting before crying forgery? Did anyone actually call the recommenders? Or did you just take some kids' word for it?"

The committee members exchanged glances that said everything.

"I want to meet these students," Irene pressed. "If they're brave enough to make accusations, they should be brave enough to say it to our faces."

Jackson cleared his throat. "I understand your concerns, but—"

"These are basic questions. If you can't answer them, maybe we should continue this with the education board present."

Jackson's resistance crumbled visibly. "Please ask Jason and the other witnesses to come down," he told his secretary.

Anna stepped forward. "These students have classes. We shouldn't disrupt their education."

"One missed class versus my brother's entire future?" Irene's voice could have frozen fire. "I think we know what matters more."

Anna's eyes flashed. "Touching to see you suddenly so concerned about your brother. Didn't seem to care much when you ditched him to run off to R Country."

Ethan tensed, but Irene didn't flinch.

"Don't try that manipulation crap with me," she said quietly. "We both know exactly why I left. And so do you."

The loaded statement hung in the air. The principal and committee members exchanged curious glances, clearly sensing there was much more history between these women than a school dispute.

Minutes later, a group of nervous students filed in, led by a tall boy who couldn't quite meet anyone's eyes.

"Thanks for coming," Jackson began awkwardly.

Irene didn't wait. "So you're accusing my brother of forging letters. Tell me exactly what you claim to have seen."

Jason shifted his weight. "We saw him working on the letters."

"Where?" Irene asked.

"The library," Jason answered quickly.

"It was in the computer lab," another boy said at the same time.

Irene raised an eyebrow. "Can't even get your story straight on where it happened? What else? What day? What time? What exactly did you see?"

The students glanced at each other, their stories unraveling under direct questioning.

"We definitely saw him... changing those letters," Jason insisted, though his confidence was bleeding out with every word.

"Changing how? What changes? What program was he using? Who was with him?" Irene fired questions rapidly, giving them no time to coordinate.

As contradictions piled up, the students grew visibly uncomfortable. Anna tried jumping in several times, but Irene's quick questioning left no opening.

When the students began stumbling over their own words, Irene pulled out her phone and set it on the table.

"I've been texting with my lawyer this whole time," she said, voice dangerously calm. "We've got two choices here. Fix this mess now, or take it to court. Lying about someone isn't just mean—it's illegal."

The students went pale.

Anna jumped in. "Don't let her push you around. If you're honest, stand your ground."

"Exactly," Irene agreed with a cold smile. "Real truth doesn't fall apart when tested. So, ready for handwriting experts? Or to make your claims with the police watching?"

The silence that followed spoke volumes.

Jackson, looking increasingly stressed, tried regaining control. "Perhaps we need more time to review—"

"The witness testimonies are clear," Anna interrupted firmly. "The violation is established."

"Stories that don't match up aren't proof," Irene countered. "Empty accusations are just gossip with a fancy name."

The silence felt heavy enough to touch. Nobody blinked, nobody budged. Ethan sat with his shoulders tight, watching these adults toss his future back and forth like kids fighting over the last cookie.

Just as the tension peaked, someone knocked sharply on the door.

The secretary poked her head in. "Sorry to interrupt, but Director Williams from the Education Board is here. Says it's urgent."

Anna's face dropped for a split second before she caught herself.

Jackson nearly knocked over his coffee standing up. "Director Williams? I wasn't expecting him."

The door swung open, revealing a man in a crisp suit. He scanned the crowded office with raised eyebrows.

"I hear there's some trouble with the Sterling Scholarship," he said simply.

Irene watched Anna squirm in her seat. *Funny timing*, she thought. *Wonder who called him*.