As Caleb began to walk out of the classroom, Professor Hanks reached out and grabbed his hand, stopping him in his tracks. Her eyes were filled with a mix of concern and disbelief."Caleb," she said softly but firmly, "I need you to tell me the truth. Did you steal that money?"Caleb looked down at her hand gripping his and then met her gaze. He could see the earnest plea in her eyes, the hope that he wasn't guilty. He took a deep breath, his expression calm and resolute."No, Professor Hanks," he replied quietly. "I didn't steal the money."Professor Hanks studied his face for a long moment, searching for any hint of deceit. Finally, she released his hand with a sigh, a flicker of hope still lingering in her eyes."Alright, Caleb," she said firmly, her grip still strong on his hand. "But don't stay silent like you did here. You need to defend yourself clearly when you see the headmaster. Speak the truth and avoid any unnecessary remarks. I'll do everything in my power to support you,
"I have explained it many times. I am an orphan and have no relatives. How can I inherit a so-called huge inheritance?" "Besides, I am a poor, and deceiving me is just a waste of time for you!" "I'm busy at work, please you and your 'colleagues' stop harassing me, or I’ll call the police!" At the entrance of the Eden Grand Hotel, Caleb King, wearing a red uniform, hung up the phone impatiently and blocked the number. It was already the tenth scam call he had received since this morning! . What’s wrong with these phone scammers? Why insist on deceiving a poor guy who is deeply in debt? Even their excuses for deceiving him were just as lame and stupid! How can an orphan get a huge inheritance of more than one trillion dollars? What a ridiculous trick! "But if I had a trillion dollars, I would definitely buy the Eden Grand Hotel and have good time in the most expensive presidential suite with Tracy!" Looking up at the splendid Eden Hotel, Caleb murmured enviously. It is the mo
As soon as the door opened, a hot and seductive woman appeared. Caleb’s eyes subconsciously swept over the two plump “hemispheres” on her upper body, as well as her graceful slender legs in black stockings. However, he averted her gaze when Caleb saw the woman’s face. "Mrs. Hattie, you... Well, it’s really a nice day today! Anything I can do for you?" Caleb touched his head and asked with some embarrassment and worry. "Little Caleb, have you think about how to pay the rent?" Mrs. Hattie spoke, her voice of seduction, and the desire in her fiery eyes were like burning Magma that was going to melt him. Caleb was startled, thinking that it would be better if she really came to him for the rent... "Mrs. Hattie, my salary is about to be paid. Could you please give me one more week?" Caleb took his courage and asked cautiously. "You have no money?! Caleb, considering that you are a college student, I have already given you half a month's grace! Now you want me to give you an extr
Two o'clock in the afternoon, outside the Knight Building, located in the most luxurious area of the city center.Caleb looked at the luxury cars parked by the roadside. The social elites coming and going were also very well-dressed.In comparison, he was like a beggar, out of tune with this place."Sorry, you can't beg here!"As soon as Caleb entered the building, he was stopped by a security guard immediately."I'm not a beggar!" Caleb explained angrily."We are also not allowed to deliver food here!"Glancing at Caleb's attire, the security guard was surprised to find that he was not a beggar but a delivery boy. He frowned but still stretched out his hand to prevent Caleb from entering the building."I'm also not here to make the delivery! I'm here to find someone!""Then do you have any appointment? Who made the appointment with you?" The security guard stared at him and asked confusedly."Jack Nat! He told me his name was Jack Nat and asked me to come to the 49th floor of this bu
Caleb, still processing her words, found himself abruptly seized by two stern-faced security officers."Hey..." he started, only to be cut off by her command."Take this disgusting man away from here. He literally molested me!" she declared, her words slicing through the air."Don't worry, Ma'am, we'll handle it," assured the head of security. Caleb, with pleading eyes, made no attempt to resist, opting to offer a feeble defense."It was an accident..." he attempted to explain, but her scornful dismissal echoed louder."Why is this despicable man still here? Get him out of my sight!"As he was being dragged away, a booming voice pierced through the background, adding an unexpected layer of tension to the unfolding drama."What in the world is happening here, Ms. Mathews?" The CEO's voice echoed through the lobby, stunning her with the sudden arrival and firm tone."Sir, this guy came in without permission, and, um..." She stammered, beads of nervous sweat forming on her forehead as she
The sound of basketballs echoed in the gym as two groups took up space.On one side, bathed in the harsh glow of the overhead lights, stood a mix of hopeful athletes engaged seriously in their practice session. In the background of this, a small trio was Caleb, flanked by his steadfast friends Tommy and Jake.On the opposite side of the gym, an another group led by Kenneth, were more focused on mockery than genuine engagement of the game. The female cheerleaders, including Tracy and Susan, aligned themselves with this formidable groupCoach gathered the players in a huddle, delivering a stern lecture that echoed through the gymnasium."Alright, team! Today's training session is crucial, and I expect each one of you to give it your best. Remember, teamwork is the key to success. Now, pay attention to your positions, communicate on the court, and, most importantly, stay focused!"He coach blew the whistle, signaling the start of the training session. The gymnasium erupted with the sounds
"Let's try something more up to our standards for a change," Kenneth sneered, glancing disdainfully at Caleb."There's this new place that opened last weekend, 'The Elite,'" he announced with a wicked gleam in his eyes, deliberately emphasizing the name as if to underscore its exclusivity.Caleb, usually calm when dealing with Kenneth's taunts, suddenly felt a boost of confidence. The sleek black card in his pocket and the comfort of knowing he had 5 million in his bank account gave him an unspoken sense of power. It was the first time Caleb felt ready to stand up for himself."Sure, Kenneth, let's give 'The Elite' a try. But here's the deal—we split the bill right down the middle." His voice carried an unwavering assurance, catching Kenneth off guard.Kenneth, momentarily knocked off his high horse "Split the bill? Come on, Caleb, are you serious? Can you even cover your share?" he sneered, a hint of uncertainty flickering in his eyes.Caleb, however, responded with a subtle smile, i
The table quieted as the dishes arrived, a tempting mix of delicious scents wafting through the air. An uncertain hush, fell over the table, everyone eyeing the extravagant spread before them. The aroma of the dishes filled the space, momentarily distracting them from the brewing tension.With a grin, Caleb declared, "Bon appétit!" and elegantly grasped his knife and fork to start on his meal. The rest eagerly followed suit.Laughter and cheerful banter gradually replaced the initial silence as they delved into the delectable fare.Yet, on one side of the table, an uneasy tension loomed. Kenneth, feeling the weight of the impending bill, nervously loosened a button on his shirt. The extravagant meal, initially a delight, now felt like a financial burden. "What's the matter?" Tracy leaned in toward Kenneth."Nothing," he replied, discreetly opening his wallet to check his cash, a flicker of concern crossing his face.Tracy noticed Kenneth's unease as he glanced inside his wallet. Th
As Caleb began to walk out of the classroom, Professor Hanks reached out and grabbed his hand, stopping him in his tracks. Her eyes were filled with a mix of concern and disbelief."Caleb," she said softly but firmly, "I need you to tell me the truth. Did you steal that money?"Caleb looked down at her hand gripping his and then met her gaze. He could see the earnest plea in her eyes, the hope that he wasn't guilty. He took a deep breath, his expression calm and resolute."No, Professor Hanks," he replied quietly. "I didn't steal the money."Professor Hanks studied his face for a long moment, searching for any hint of deceit. Finally, she released his hand with a sigh, a flicker of hope still lingering in her eyes."Alright, Caleb," she said firmly, her grip still strong on his hand. "But don't stay silent like you did here. You need to defend yourself clearly when you see the headmaster. Speak the truth and avoid any unnecessary remarks. I'll do everything in my power to support you,
Jane’s eyes were fixed on Caleb, desperately waiting for him to say something, to shout, to scream his innocence. But he remained calm and collected, his gaze never wavering from Carl. Carl, noticing Caleb's unwavering calm, smirked and turned to Mr. Henderson. "Here's the proof, sir. Now it's up to you how you deal with this thief." Mr. Henderson glanced at Professor Hanks, who was staring at Caleb in shock, unable to reconcile the calm student with the accusations against him. Mr. Henderson nodded and said, "I can't believe after all this time we've actually caught the thief red-handed. Caleb, come with me to the staffroom. We will discuss further what we should do with you with the rest of the staff." Hearing Mr. Henderson's words, some students nodded in agreement, murmuring among themselves that Caleb should be punished. The accusation seemed to fit with the recent rumors and suspicions. However, those who were close to Caleb, especially Jake, Tommy, and Jane, were filled
The students stared at Caleb with disgust, their eyes shifting between him and the pouch on his desk. Whispers and pointed fingers only deepened the collective disdain. Many had always harbored suspicions about Caleb, simply because he was poor. Yet, in the last few months, something had changed. Caleb had started spending money freely, treating classmates to dinners in expensive restaurants, flaunting an attitude of newfound confidence. The sudden shift was startling. Now, with Jane's pouch found among his belongings, the students were convinced their suspicions were confirmed. To them, Caleb's recent spending spree must have been funded by stolen money from the college. The atmosphere was thick with judgment, the air filled with murmurs and pointed looks. No one seemed to remember the Caleb who once struggled quietly. Instead, they saw only the image of a thief, their minds made up by the damning evidence before them. "I can't believe it!" another student exclaimed, shock evident
"Well, Carl, after an hour, you'll regret what you're doing right now, and you will pay for what you have done." Carl narrowed his eyes at Caleb momentarily and chuckled, muttering under his breath, "Is that a threat?" Caleb didn’t bother to respond, his silence conveying more than words could. Carl shrugged off Caleb's words, confident that they were meaningless. What could a loser like Caleb do anyway? Carl's smirk grew as he unzipped the bag. He knew that as soon as the money was found, there would be no escape for Caleb. The whole class fell silent, the only sound being the slow, deliberate zip opening Caleb's bag. Kenneth leaned forward on his desk, casting a quick glance at Tracy, who had a small smirk playing on her lips. They knew that any moment now, their plan would come to fruition. On the other hand, Tommy and Jake watched nervously, their anxiety palpable. But the most anxious of all was Jane, the class monitor. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was
"I..." Caleb began, weighing his words carefully. Caleb paused for a moment, his mind racing as he processed the situation. He instinctively slid his hands into his pockets, a subtle gesture to calm his nerves. His gaze shifted towards Carl once more, observing the smug confidence etched on his face. It was becoming clear to Caleb that Carl wasn't acting on mere suspicion but had orchestrated this accusation deliberately. The reason for Carl's unwavering confidence in Caleb's guilt pointed to a calculated plan. As Caleb pondered Carl's motives, his eyes flickered briefly to his desk where his bag lay discarded underneath. He couldn't shake the sinking feeling that the money, the very evidence Carl was banking on finding, might have already been planted there. A surge of frustration and anger welled up within him, but he maintained his composure outwardly, preparing to address Professor Hanks and the rest of the class with clarity and conviction. He had been set up. As his
Professor Hanks's hand slammed down on the table with a resounding thud, instantly quelling the rising chatter that had filled the room. "Silence!" Her authoritative command cut through the noise like a knife, demanding the attention of every student present. Once the room had settled into a tense silence, she fixed her unwavering gaze on Caleb, her expression a blend of concern and determination. "Caleb," she began, her voice firm yet tinged with curiosity, "do you have anything to say?" Her eyes bore into his, silently urging him to speak up and address the accusations that had been thrown his way. Caleb paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before standing up. "What Carl said just now-his analysis of what could have happened-is very reasonable," he began, his voice calm and measured. "However, there is one small thing he seems to have forgotten to mention." Professor Hanks furrowed her eyebrows, clearly intrigued. "And what might that be?" she prompted, her gaze s
Mr. Henderson straightened his tie with an air of authority, smoothing back a few nonexistent strands of hair as he smiled at Professor Hanks. "Just before you arrived, we may have made some progress regarding the thief," Mr. Henderson announced, his voice projecting across the room. He briefly glanced over at Caleb, who met his gaze with a mixture of curiosity and concern. Professor Hanks furrowed her eyebrows, her expression shifting to one of focused curiosity. Stepping closer to Mr. Henderson, she asked in a firm tone, "What progress have you made?" Mr. Henderson's smile widened slightly, relishing the attention from Professor Hanks. Leaning in slightly, he lowered his voice as if sharing a confidential matter. "Before you got here, Carl accused Caleb of being the thief." Professor Hanks's eyebrows shot up in surprise. She scanned the room until her gaze landed on Caleb, who met her look with a disbelief apprehension. Carl stood smugly with his arms folded across his ches
Mr. Henderson's expression shifted from annoyance to cautious interest. He fixed Carl with a penetrating stare. "You know who it is, Carl? Thrn enlighten us" he demanded, his voice low and serious, cutting through the chatter in the classroom. Carl took a deep breath, steeling himself before speaking again. "It's..." He hesitated for a moment, as if weighing his words carefully. The suspense in the room was palpable, each second feeling like an eternity as everyone waited for him to continue. As tension hung thick in the air of the classroom, Carl stood up abruptly, his face wearing a confident smirk. His words cut through the silence like a knife. "The thief is amongst us," Carl declared, his voice echoing off the walls, "and he is sitting in this room right now!" A collective gasp rippled through the classroom as students exchanged shocked glances. Whispers erupted like a sudden storm, as everyone began to scrutinize their classmates with newfound suspicion. Mr. Henderson, hi
The professor's glare bore into Jane with unmasked frustration. "Do you have any brains ! Thats what happebscwhen you dont listen!" he bellowed, his voice echoing off the classroom walls. "I explicitly warned all students on the notice board to be vigilant with their belongings, knowing there's a thief among us. Yet you, young lady, have managed to have the entire class's fees stolen. And you dare call yourself a class monitor!"His words stung like a whip cracking through the air, each syllable laced with disappointment and accusation. The classroom seemed to shrink under the weight of his condemnation, leaving Jane visibly shaken under the harsh spotlight of Professor Henderson's scrutiny.Jane stood frozen under the professor's harsh gaze, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to find her voice amidst the palpable tension in the room."I... I'm sorry, Mr. Henderson," she stammered, her words coming out in a rush. "I... I didn't mean to... I thought... I thought it would be s