Page 26 of Calculated Risk
"Ms. Ashworth claims you coerced witnesses and fabricated evidence because you were failing your thesis."
"I was failing because she destroyed my work?—"
"We need you to come to the security office. Now."
Marcus steps forward. "I'm coming with her and I'm calling my lawyer."
"Your lawyer?" I whisper.
"Family friend. Owes me a favor. I called him yesterday just in case Chelsea tried something like this." He squeezes my hand. "Trust me. I've got this."
At campus security, Chelsea sits with her parents, high-powered lawyers both and an attorney who looks expensive and aggressive.
"This is a witch hunt," Chelsea's attorney starts. "My client is being persecuted because Ms. Rodriguez couldn't complete her thesis on time and needed a scapegoat."
Marcus's lawyer, a sharp woman named Jennifer Cho cuts in smoothly.
"We have security footage showing Ms. Ashworth entering the gallery the night of the destruction. We have witness testimony from the security guard on duty. We have forensic evidence linking tools found in Ms. Ashworth's sorority house to the damage patterns. This isn't persecution. It's justice."
"The footage was tampered with?—"
"Three independent experts verified authenticity. Would you like their reports?"
Jennifer slides folders across the table. Chelsea's attorney flips through them, expression souring.
"Additionally," Jennifer continues, "Ms. Ashworth has a documented history of harassment toward Ms. Rodriguez. Text messages, social media posts, eyewitness accounts of public confrontations. This wasn't random vandalism. This was targeted sabotage motivated by jealousy."
"That's not—" Chelsea starts.
"I'd advise you not to speak," her attorney says quickly.
The meeting takes two hours. By the end, Chelsea's parents look furious, the university looks relieved to have clear evidence, and Chelsea looks defeated.
"Ms. Ashworth will be suspended pending a full disciplinary hearing," the dean announces. "Ms. Rodriguez, you have the university's full support. Your thesis will be evaluated without prejudice, and we'll be providing a formal apology."
Outside the security office, I collapse against Marcus.
"That was?—"
"Necessary. She tried to destroy you. She doesn't get to win."
"You called a lawyer. Yesterday."
"I calculated the risk of Chelsea retaliating. Prepared accordingly." He pulls me close. "I told you. I'm staying. That means protecting you. Even from rich girls with powerful parents."
"Have I mentioned I love you?"
"Once or twice. But I don't mind hearing it again."
"I love you, Marcus Chen. My organized, prepared, secretly fierce protector."
"I love you too. My chaotic, brilliant, perfectly imperfect artist."
We head back to the gallery, where my show continues without us. Where my art speaks for itself. Where my future begins.
Chapter 11
Marcus
