Reborn Tycoon; Ethan Wayne’s Rise

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

The dean’s office was dimly lit, the heavy curtains drawn over the windows. Ethan and Liam took their seats in the two chairs that faced the dean’s desk, the silence thick and oppressive.

The dean leaned forward, his hands folded in front of him.

'Gentlemen, I have been made aware of the events that occurred in Professor David’s class this afternoon.'

Ethan and Liam both opened their mouths to speak, but the dean held up a hand to silence them.

The dean’s voice was low and measured, but his words were as sharp as a blade.

'Ethan, I am deeply disappointed in you. You have always been a model student, and to see you involved in something like this is disturbing, to say the least.'

Ethan hung his head, the shame burning in his chest. 'Sir, I didn’t cheat. Liam was the one who was trying to cheat off me.'

The dean turned his gaze to Liam, his eyes narrowed in scrutiny. 'And what do you have to say for yourself, Mr.?”

Liam’s expression was a picture of remorse, but Ethan could see a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes.

'I am truly sorry for my actions, sir. I know that Ethan is a good student, and I never meant to cause him any trouble.'

The dean nodded, his expression plain

Liam’s apology, though insincere, seemed to pacify the dean. After a moment’s contemplation, the dean sighed, running a hand through his graying hair.

'Very well. Given your previous conduct, I am willing to overlook this incident.'

Ethan’s shoulders relaxed, relief washing over him. He couldn’t believe his luck, he had gotten out of this with nothing more than a stern warning.

Liam, on the other hand, couldn’t conceal his satisfaction.

Ethan and Liam exited the dean’s office in silence, their footsteps echoing in the empty hallway.

Liam turned to Ethan, the smirk on his face telling.

‘So, we’re off the hook. That’s good news, isn’t it?’

Ethan narrowed his eyes. 'I don’t call nearly getting expelled good news.' He took a step closer to Liam, his voice low and menacing.

'And I don’t appreciate being dragged into your schemes.'

Liam's smirk faded, and a flash of anger lit his eyes.

He tried Holding back his anger by letting out a faint smile before walking away because he didn't want Ethan To know that they were planning his downfall.

Ethan strode down the hall, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, that Liam and his that were probably planning something dangerous against him

He tried to push those thoughts aside as he made his way to the car where his diver was waiting to pick him up

As he reached the car he brought out his phone and decided to check I*******m just to get his mind off the situation he was in a few minutes back.

Frowning, the first post he saw was from a student at his University and it was about him, it was about what happened today. Ethan scrolled down, and continued scrolling until he got pissed at the idea that he was currently treading on I*******m and they were all using

#Ethanwaynecaughtdoingmalpratice

#whatashametothewaynefamily

#futureceoofwaynefamily

Ethan couldn't believe his eyes and he was so pissed at what was happening.

Immediately he got down from the car,Ethan was startled out of his thoughts by the sound of a voice calling his name.

'Mr. Wayne! Mr. Wayne!'

He looked up to see one of the housemaids hurrying towards him, a look of urgency on her face.

'Your grandfather wishes to speak with you in his study, sir,' she said breathlessly.

Ethan’s brow furrowed. It was rare for his grandfather to summon him like this.

Ethan entered his grandfather’s study with trepidation, his heart thudding in his chest.

His grandfather, a tall, imposing figure with piercing blue eyes, was pacing the length of the room. He turned as Ethan entered, his expression thunderous.

'Ethan. Sit,' he barked.

Ethan obeyed, taking a seat in one of the leather chairs that faced his grandfather’s desk.

'Do you have any idea how many calls I’ve received since this morning?' his grandfather demanded.

Ethan swallowed hard, trying to keep his composure. 'I can imagine, sir. I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused.'

His grandfather snorted. 'Sorry? What use is sorry when your name is being dragged through the mud? You think you’re some kind of celebrity, with the whole world watching your every move?’

Ethan opened his mouth to protest, but his grandfather silenced him with a curt gesture.

Ethan took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice level.

'Sir, I know how this looks, but it was all Liam’s doing. He tried to cheat off me in the test, and when I refused, he accused me of cheating as well.'

His grandfather fixed him with a cold stare.

'And the fact that your name is trending on social media, is that Liam’s doing too?'

Ethan shifted in his seat, feeling like a child being scolded by a teacher.

'No, sir.'

Ethan’s grandfather’s voice dropped to a low growl.

'You’re a Wayne, Ethan. We do not bring shame to this family, and we do not disappoint. Do not make me regret the faith I’ve placed in you.'

Ethan’s jaw tightened. He knew that his grandfather was speaking out of love, but the words still stung like a slap in the face.

'I understand, sir. I’ll do my best to make you proud,' he said quietly.

Ethan returned to his room, feeling drained and defeated.

Before he could even sink onto his bed, his phone rang. The caller ID flashed with the name ‘Alex Chen’

Ethan answered the call with a heavy sigh.

'What do you want, Alex?'

'To check up on my old friend, of course,' came Alex’s cheerful reply.

'I heard about what happened with Liam. What a mess, huh?’

Ethan didn’t answer, instead a short hissed escaped his lips.

‘Do you want me to erase all the post concerning the incident?. You know I can do that. ‘ Alex asked

Ethan paused, his mind racing. 'How would you do that?'

Alex chuckled.

'Come on, man, you know how I work. A little digital sleight of hand, and those posts will disappear faster than you can say ‘felony hacking charges.’

Ethan bit his lip, weighing his options. On one hand, he didn’t want to be responsible for Alex’s potential arrest. On the other hand, he was desperate to erase the incident from the internet.