Chapter 3

As I called the police, everyone else looked at me with expressions of utter disbelief, perhaps thinking, *Why would she call the police when she’s the one who did something wrong?*

Only Tiffany’s eyes began to flicker nervously.

She suddenly spoke up, trying to smooth things over. “It’s fine, it’s fine, it’s not a big deal. Everyone makes their own choices, you know. Aunt Karen, Uncle David, please don’t scold Ashley anymore. She’s not stealing or doing anything truly harmful; as long as she can support herself in the big city, that’s all that matters.”

How grandly she spoke, without considering who started this whole mess.

“Tiffany is so sensible, unlike Ashley. Not only is her behavior immoral, but she stubbornly refuses to admit her mistakes.”

“How respectable is Tiffany’s profession? Can Ashley even compare? She’s a professor at Commonwealth University, you know!”

I had been furious at my relatives’ words, but hearing that, my interest was suddenly piqued.

“A professor at Commonwealth University?”

I turned to Tiffany. “Commonwealth University is one of the top-ranked universities in the country. Its professors usually have at least a Master’s or a Ph.D. Even with relaxed requirements, they’d be specialized talents, often from abroad. Tiffany Brooks, which of those criteria do you meet?”

“I…” Tiffany choked, but still insisted on her story. “Why do you care so much about my business? You haven’t even sorted out your own mess!”

The others also chimed in to support Tiffany, until I proposed:

“Commonwealth University’s official website lists all faculty and staff information. Since you’re officially employed there, your name should be searchable on the website, right?”

Tiffany tried to stop me, but her mom and other elders held her back. “Just let her search. We have a clear conscience, after all.”

Really?

I opened the Commonwealth University website, browsed for two minutes, then showed them the blank search results page. “How come there’s nothing?”

“Huh, what’s going on? Didn’t Tiffany say she’s been teaching at Commonwealth University for two years now?”

“Yeah, she even sent me photos from her classes. Could it all be a lie?”

I knew the truth: she’d spun a massive lie just to save face. But Tiffany still wouldn’t admit it. Instead, she put on a conflicted expression, then lowered her head and shyly began, “Actually, I didn’t want to say anything, but since Ashley has pushed me to this point, I have no choice but to admit it. I’m not an official full-time professor at Commonwealth University because…”

“Because my boyfriend pulled some strings to get me in. My boyfriend is an entrepreneur, the sole heir of the Stone Group. He just wanted me to have an easy job.”

At this, the relatives suddenly burst into laughter, but it wasn't mocking laughter; it was full of fawning.

They crowded around Tiffany and her mom, showering them with compliments. “We knew Tiffany’s boyfriend was successful, but we never knew he was *that* powerful! The Stone Group! That’s a huge company! Tiffany, you’re truly bringing honor to our family.”

Tiffany deliberately looked at me, saying proudly, “Even though my boyfriend is influential, I don’t want to depend on him. I just want to focus on my career and be a strong, independent woman. How long can you bank on your youth to make money, right, Ashley?”

Before I could speak, she continued her tirade.

“We are sisters, after all, and we grew up together. I can’t bear to see you debase yourself.”

“How about this: you cancel the police report, and I’ll have my boyfriend find you a job. Whether it’s cleaning toilets or sweeping floors at the corporation, it’s still much more respectable than selling yourself.”

As soon as my parents heard Tiffany’s offer, they lunged for my phone.

I dodged, but my brother charged forward with all his might and shoved me. While I was on the ground, he snatched the phone.

He fumbled with it and said to me, “Are you calling the police because you think your reputation isn’t bad enough? I’m not asking you to find a good job, but please, stop disgracing yourself.”

Just at that critical moment, the private room door was opened by the police.

“Who called the police?”