Smart, Danielle said. We need backup plans for everything. What about you? Lila asked Danielle. Once this breaks, they'll try to discredit you personally.
Are you ready for that? Danielle didn't answer immediately. Instead, she pulled out her phone and called the one person she trusted most. Regina answered on the second ring, her voice instantly alert despite the hour. Danielle?
What's wrong? I'm about to blow this whole thing open, Auntie. Danielle explained, quickly outlining what they'd discovered. But I need to know, am I doing this right? Regina was quiet for a moment.
You know the difference between courage and revenge? Tell me. Courage seeks truth, no matter how painful. Revenge seeks harm, no matter the cost. Regina's voice grew stronger.
Ask yourself what you want. Justice or punishment? Justice, Danielle said without hesitation. I want the system exposed. Then do it where they can't hide.
Do it in the light. As Danielle ended the call, clarity washed over her. The championship game, she said to Noah and Layla. That's where this ends. Noah nodded slowly.
The stadium will be packed. Every booster, every administrator, local media, and they can't control all of it, Layla finished. It's perfect. They spent the next hour mapping out their strategy. Noah would prepare multiple versions of the story for the campus paper, social media, and Melissa's regional coverage.
All would release simultaneously during the first quarter of the game. What about you? Noah asked Danielle. I'll be there in person, she said. They need to see me standing there, not hiding.
Not broken. As the first light of dawn filtered through the diner blinds, casting long shadows across their evidence, Danielle felt a strange calm settle over her. Outside, the campus was beginning to stir. Today's championship game would be the culmination of Foundation Week, a celebration of everything the university claimed to stand for. "We should get some sleep," Noah suggested, gathering the documents.
Lila nodded. "I'll keep the originals safe. They might try to access your dorm once they realize what's happening." Back in her room, Danielle carefully taped her bruised shoulder, wincing at the pressure. She wasn't preparing to cheer. She wasn't even preparing to fight.