A Shadow of Doubt

Ten years after graduation, I funded a scholarship for underprivileged students at my alma mater.

During the ceremony's interview segment, one of the scholarship recipients suddenly grabbed the microphone.

"That night at the karaoke bar, you forced yourself on me! Aren't you going to take responsibility?"

Her words cut through the room, and every student and faculty member turned to look at me.

In an instant, I was branded a rapist.

The company's stock fell immediately in response.

Amid the chaos, I simply stared at the girl in front of me.

Had students really become so ruthless just to get what they wanted?

Only a few days ago, I had helped her fend off a gang of troublemakers, so how could she turn around and spread lies about me then?

Besides, I was a woman. What could I possibly have done to her?

Before I could get a word out, the reporters were already on me like a pack of wolves, cameras and microphones thrust in my face.

"We've heard you're quite the hermit and hardly ever seen in public."

"What's your take on the scandal with the scholarship student's assault?"

I narrowed my eyes, a wave of annoyance washing over me.

What was supposed to be a simple ceremony for my foundation had turned into a circus.

I fought back the queasy feeling rising in my throat and faced the camera head-on.

"You're throwing accusations around without a shred of proof, just taking one person's word over mine. That's defamation!"

The crowd gasped and buzzed with whispers.

However, Sarah Lewis, the student in question, let out a shriek like a startled cat.

"Who says I have no proof?! Avery Jones, you're nothing but a wolf in sheep's clothing, too cowardly to own up to your actions!"

'A wolf in sheep's clothing? Me?' I thought.

I took a quick look at the poster of myself on the wall.

Just because I rocked a short, androgynous haircut and a sharp suit without a hint of bling, they pegged me as a man.

I was about to set the record straight when the old principal, Henry Douglas, shaky as a leaf, snatched the mic from me.

"Outrageous! Avery would never do this…"

"Mr. Douglas!"

Someone from the crowd cut him off, dripping with disdain.

"We get it, you're thankful for the donations to the school, but you can't just turn a blind eye to the truth for cash, right? This is about integrity!"

Henry's face went white as a sheet, and he swayed like he was about to keel over. I quickly stepped in to steady him.

"Mr. Douglas, keep your cool. Your health comes first. I've got this."

Henry was my mentor for years. He knew the real me better than anyone.

Still, I did not want him dragged into that mess.

With someone in her corner, Sarah puffed up with newfound boldness.

She turned to me and said, "That night, you promised me that once I graduated, you'd introduce me to your family. You didn't stop there. You showered me with gifts that were supposed to mean something special, but the moment you had the chance, you cut me off completely!"

Her tears flowed freely, painting a picture of deep hurt and betrayal.

I watched her sob story with a frosty gaze.

"Go on. What exactly are these 'special gifts' you're talking about?"

She acted as if she was waiting for that very moment. With a swift turn, she dug into her faded old backpack and pulled out a clear plastic bag.

Inside were several sets of women's lingerie.

"If we didn't have that kind of relationship, why would you give me intimate clothing?" she accused.

The audience was in an uproar, and the reporters zoomed in on the bag of lingerie, their cameras clicking nonstop.

Sarah grabbed her phone and flashed the screen at me.

"Look at this! Here's the seven thousand and five hundred dollars you sent me to keep quiet. You can't deny this!"

I stared at the so-called damning evidence and could not help but find the whole thing laughable.

That woman really thought she could pin that on me with such flimsy proof.

"Ms. Lewis, are you absolutely certain that those lingerie sets are a personal gift from me, a symbol of our commitment?"

"Without a doubt!" she replied.

I was done playing games with Sarah. It was time to tear her story apart.

"This is just absurd. Our company provides a full set of clothing to the students we sponsor every year, including underwear. It's all part of our charity work. Do you need me to pull up the company's purchase records to prove it?

"Also, about this supposed 'hush money' you keep mentioning, take a good look. The money came from the Jones Group Charity Foundation.

"Ms. Lewis, enlighten me, what kind of criminal would use a company's charity account to send 'hush money'?"