She'd refused my mother's offer to help pay for his treatment, insisting she'd handle the tens of thousands in monthly medical bills herself.
That was why she treasured every job, every side gig. She never complained. Never asked for pity.
I wasn't about to let Cliff destroy her.
The moment I defended her, Bonnie let out a mocking laugh. "Touched a nerve, did we?"
"What's wrong—afraid we'll find proof of your little artwork swap once we dig deeper?"
Cliff clenched his fists, his expression twisting as though he'd finally reached his breaking point.
"All I wanted was for you to give back the prize money so I could pay my tuition and stay in school. That's all. But you've pushed me too far. Now you have to pay."
He pulled out his phone and dialed the Art Integrity Review Unit.
"I'm filing a formal complaint. Jack Gilbert colluded with judge Delilah Chavez during the national competition to swap my artwork and steal first place in the preliminaries. I demand her immediate termination and the return of what's rightfully mine!"
The other students erupted in cheers, eager to watch my downfall.
The comments exploded:
[This is peak fiction! The MC is so badass!]