Chapter 6: The Reporter Who Disappeared Too
Margaret also gave Detective Mason a name.
Daniel Cross.
He was an independent journalist who had once investigated corruption in private schools. Rose had gone to him after leaving Margaret’s house.
When the police searched Daniel’s apartment, they found his laptop still open.
On the screen was an unfinished article:
“The Scholarship Fund Built on Stolen Futures.”
The files on his desk contained bank records, emails, donor lists, and photos Rose had taken. There was also a note:
“Rose Parker is the key witness. Protect her before release.”
But Daniel was gone.
So was Rose.
Lily felt hope and fear fighting inside her.
Meanwhile, Hawthorne Academy tried to control the scandal. Principal Whitmore released a statement promising “transparency.” Cassandra Sterling claimed the evidence was fake. Ava was suspended, but only temporarily.
Then the school made a strange decision.
The annual scholarship ceremony would continue as planned.
Ms. Harper came to Lily’s apartment that morning with a simple blue dress.
“I don’t want to go,” Lily said.
Ms. Harper placed the dress on the bed.
“Your mother fought so you could walk into that room with your head high. Do not let them take that from you too.”
Lily looked at the dress for a long moment.
Then she put it on.
That afternoon, the auditorium was packed with students, parents, teachers, donors, and reporters. Everyone knew the ceremony could explode at any second.
Lily sat in the third row.
Ava sat near the front with Cassandra.
Cassandra looked back at Lily once.
Her eyes were cold.
Principal Whitmore walked onto the stage, holding an envelope.
His smile looked nervous.
After a long speech, he finally announced the scholarship winner.
“The Hawthorne Academy Future Leaders Scholarship goes to…”
He opened the envelope.
“Ava Sterling.”
The room erupted in whispers.
Lily felt the air leave her lungs.
May you like
Even after everything, they were still trying to steal it.
Slowly, Lily stood.
