Jayna smirked, clearly enjoying every second of this encounter. "Oh, really? So you're just a sad little loner then? Pathetic," she jeered, the mockery dripping from her words. Bella, Marc, and Matthew chimed in, their laughter resounding through the restaurant."Yeah, we all know Samantha left you because you're nothing but a loser, I'm sure you even still love him," Bella added, her voice filled with scorn. The words stung, and Michael felt his blood boil.Trying to maintain his composure, Michael replied firmly, "You're mistaken. I don't love Samantha anymore, and just so you know, lately Samantha has been begging me to get back with her. And I'm not a waiter, and I don't appreciate being treated like one."Jayna's smirk only grew wider as she took in Michael's response. "Oh, look at the little reject trying to defend himself," she sneered, her voice dripping with condescension. Bella, Marc, and Matthew cackled in unison, their laughter echoing off the restaurant walls."Yeah, like

123Victoria's eyes sparkled mischievously as she twirled a strand of her chestnut hair. "So, what brings you to this charming little café, Michael?" she purred, leaning in closer.Michael, feeling a bead of sweat forming on his brow, cleared his throat nervously. "Oh, just meeting up with some friends," he replied, attempting to maintain his composure.Victoria's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Oh, don't worry about your friends. I'm sure they won't mind me joining you. Besides, I've been dying to catch up with you.""I appreciate your enthusiasm, but It would be best if you found another table." He said calmly.Victoria's voice dripped with playful enthusiasm. "Well, like i just said, I'm sure they won't mind if I join you. We used to be such good friends too, remember?"Michael's heart skipped a beat. He needed to think quickly. "Victoria, I appreciate the sentiment, but we're actually having a private gathering. It's important business, you know."A hint o

125Michael nodded, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Yes, it's mine," he revealed, enjoying the surprise on her face.Emily's eyes widened even further, her excitement growing. "But how? Where did you get the money for this?" She asked " I mean How did you manage to get it?" she asked, her voice full of curiosity and suspicion.Michael chuckled, realizing that Emily had some doubts about his sudden acquisition. He thought carefully about how to explain without revealing the true extent of their family's wealth."Well, Emily, let's just say I made some smart investments," he replied, giving her a cryptic answer.Emily's suspicions grew, and she even jokingly asked,"Are you involved in shady activities or part of the mafia Michael ?" Michael burst into laughter, finding her suspicions amusing."No, no, nothing like that," he reassured her. "The truth is, this car was actually for me. I wanted to treat myself, but then I realized it would mean more to me if I gave it to someone

"That's insane! Have you contacted the university? They need to investigate this properly and clear your name," Michael suggested, his voice filled with urgency.James let out a deep sigh. "I've tried, but it feels like they've already made up their minds. They think I'm guilty, and it's tearing me apart."A surge of determination coursed through Michael's veins. He knew he had to do something to help his friend."Listen, James, I won't let them destroy your future. We'll hire the best lawyer, gather evidence, and fight this injustice. You're not alone in this," Michael vowed, his voice filled with resolve.There was a brief moment of silence before James spoke again, his voice filled with gratitude and hope. "Thank you, Michael. Your unwavering support means the world to me. I don't know what I would do without you."A small smile tugged at the corners of Michael's lips. "We've been through so much together, and I won't let this situation break us. We'll uncover the truth and make thi

Over the next few weeks, the university was abuzz with the news about the disciplinary hearing. The slap was the talk of the campus, and Michael's audacity became a symbol of resistance against the administration's high-handedness. Vice Dean Oakley, stung by the public humiliation, was desperate to regain his authority. He was eager to conclude the re-investigation and prove that the disciplinary committee was right all along. Meanwhile, Michael, James, and Arthur doubled their efforts. They were aware that the reopened investigation could be influenced by the Vice Dean's eagerness to prove them wrong. In the confines of Arthur's office, Michael and James huddled over pieces of evidence, their faces illuminated by the glow of the laptop screen. "Michael, look at this," James pointed towards a code snippet on the screen. "This is a unique piece of code that I would never use. It's too risky and leaves a trace."Michael's eyes widened in realization, "So whoever did this wanted to f