Just as we were about to kiss, an abrupt ringtone pierced the air.


    In fact, both our phones went off at the same time.


    We froze for a moment before quickly sitting up straight and answering our calls.


    It was Matthew calling me. His voice sounded unusually heavy as he asked, "William, where are you?"


    "I''m by Unity Lake. What''s up?" I replied.


    "What do you mean, what''s up?" he said, sounding exasperated. "Listen... Hurry up and get to the third-floor auditorium in Cedar Building. The department is holding a student meeting."


    "Now?" I asked, ncing at the time. It was already after 9:00 pm. Why would they be having a meeting at this hour?


    "Yes, right now," Matthew confirmed with a grave tone. "Something big happened in the department. I can''t say much, but you should get mentally prepared."


    Confusion clouded my thoughts. Could this have something to do with my high- profile donation earlier tonight? Did the teachers find out and decide tomend me publicly?


    However, that didn''t make sense. If they wanted to praise me, they wouldn''t do it in a rush like this, especially not in a student meeting.


    With some heavy doubt weighing on my mind, I headed to the meeting with Felicia.


    When we arrived at the ssroom, it was already full of people. Tom and two teachers I didn''t recognize were standing at the podium.


    Everyone was staring at me with strange expressions, making me feel ufortable.


    Their gazes were filled with unspoken disgust and malice.


    Although they had never liked me before, the animosity had never been this intense.


    I couldn''t help but wonder what was going on.


    "William, Felicia, you two should sit in the front row," Tom instructed firmly.


    He gestured toward the seats at the front. Felicia and I exchanged a puzzled nce before silently following his direction.


    "Tonight, I''ve gathered everyone here to share some devastating news," he said, his voice weighted with sorrow. "The 113 thousand dors in financial aid meant for our underprivileged students has been stolen!"


    I was stunned, struggling toprehend that the school had lost such arge sum of money.


    When I nced around, no one else seemed particrly surprised. Instead, they continued to stare at me with those same unsettling looks.


    "Since my office doesn''t have surveince cameras, we haven''t been able to find any clues yet," Tom continued. "However, tonight, two students bravely came forward to report to me and the school. They provided a list of suspects. After discussing with the administration, we believe one student''s actions are highly suspicious, and we can almost confirm that he is the one who stole the money."


    He paused for a moment before adding, "Therefore, before we identify this person, I hope he will step forward and admit his mistake, so he can have a chance at leniency."


    His eyes scanned the room, before he dered dramatically, "This person is among you!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, every gaze in the room turned toward me.


    I immediately felt a cold shiver run through my body.


    I had always beenbeled a "poor loser", but tonight I donated 70 thousand


    dors. Now, with arge sum of money stolen, I could understand why they might think it was me.


    What I couldn''t ept was the fact that Tom and the school had no evidence. How could they just jump to the conclusion that I was the thief?