Noelle stared into the camera, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. "My family," she said, a practiced smile playing on her lips, "especially my brothers. Their support… their tutoring… was invaluable."

Xenia's eyes narrowed. Lies. Noelle's brothers hadn't cared about her grades; Lucas had even encouraged her gaming, derailing her studies. Her top score was a sham, built on stolen hours and ignored textbooks. Why the charade? Was she trying to appease them?

The reporter pressed, "Noelle, your scores improved dramatically. Private tutoring?"

"No," Noelle replied smoothly, "The school's excellent teachers."

The interview ended, replaced by the flash of cameras and the clamor of congratulations. The banner, once obscuring her name, now proudly displayed "Noelle" in bold letters. She was a star, bathed in the warmth of adulation.

Xenia watched, a cold knot tightening in her stomach. Jealousy burned, a bitter taste on her tongue. She snapped a nail, her eyes blazing. Noelle, that Noelle? Top scorer? Impossible.

Beside her, Betty hissed, "She thanked the principal for stationery! Did he give her the answers?"

Xenia, already suspicious, felt a chilling certainty. Noelle hadn't mentioned the subpar stationery she'd actually used. A glint of malice sparked in Xenia's eyes. "Go tell the reporters," she whispered to Betty. "Let them find out the truth." Noelle's victory wouldn't last. And Justin's injury… that wouldn't be forgotten.

Later, as Noelle prepared to leave the celebratory banquet, a serious-faced Frank intercepted her. "Nelly," he said, his voice low and urgent, "You need to come with me, now."