Chapter 5 - The Setup
Tristan was desperate to reassert his dominance. If his family's wealth was shaking, his grip on the school had to remain absolute. He needed a public execution. He needed Julian expelled.
Friday afternoon, Julian left his backpack unguarded in the locker room for exactly three minutes.
When he walked out to the campus quad, two campus security guards were waiting for him, flanked by Tristan and the Dean of Students. A massive crowd of students had formed a circle around them.
"Julian Vance," the Dean said, his voice booming across the quad. "We have received a report of stolen property. Mr. Sterling claims his vintage Patek Philippe watch has gone missing."
"And I know he took it," Tristan shouted, pointing a manicured finger at Julian. "He's broke! He's been staring at it all week. Search his bag!"
Maya pushed her way through the crowd. "This is a setup! Julian wouldn't steal anything!"
"Quiet, Ms. Lin," the Dean snapped. He snatched Julian’s backpack and unzipped it. He reached inside and pulled out a gleaming, diamond-encrusted silver watch. The crowd gasped.
Tristan smirked in triumph. "There it is. He’s a thief. Expel him, Dean."
Julian stared at the watch dangling from the Dean’s hand. He didn't look panicked. He looked utterly bored.
May you like
"Are you going to defend yourself, Mr. Vance?" the Dean asked, already pulling out expulsion paperwork from his clipboard. "Or should I call the police?"
"You can call the police," Julian said, his voice echoing clearly across the silent quad. "But you might want to call an appraiser first."
