Chapter 327 Ready Before the Rain

Chapter 327 Ready Before the Rain

Amelia dialed Trevor's number, but the call went straight to a dead tone.

A few minutes later, her phone buzzed — Trevor was calling back.

"Hello? Amelia?" Even through the phone, the exhaustion in Trevor's voice was unmistakable. Amelia responded at once. "It's me, Professor Lewis. I'm calling because—"

"Amelia, you've seen that Instagram post, haven't you?" Trevor had clearly already read it. Before she could finish, he cut straight to the point.

Amelia hesitated for a beat, then spoke with deliberate seriousness. "Yes, Professor Lewis, I have."

"The claim that you used a special admissions slot to manipulate me is utter nonsense.

"Those photos show nothing improper. It's just the angle — the way they were shot makes us look closer than we were. People online are blowing it out of proportion.

"I don't know about the other so-called evidence in that post, but I know your character. You would never do the things they're accusing you of — suppressing colleagues, bullying students, verbally abusing anyone.

"I'm calling to ask what you're planning to do. If you need me to clarify anything online, just say the word."

On the other end, Trevor fell silent for a moment before speaking. "Amelia, you're a good kid. The fact that you saw that post and immediately wanted to defend me…"

He let out a weary sigh. "This whole thing — I'm almost certain someone's deliberately setting me up."

"Setting you up?" Amelia's voice sharpened with surprise.

"Yes," Trevor continued. "Think about it. We're not celebrities. Why would someone be lurking outside a restaurant with a camera, waiting to photograph us?

"And the rest of the so-called evidence? All fabricated.

"Those forum screenshots? Posted anonymously by people pretending to be my students. Everything they described is pure fiction.

"The chat logs claiming I verbally abused students in private? Also completely made up.

"The only part with any grain of truth is that I blocked a colleague's promotion. I did vote against someone during a dean election at Aurora College's medical school.

"But not for the reasons they're claiming — jealousy, fear he might threaten my position, all that nonsense.

"I opposed him because his character is fundamentally flawed. I feared he'd corrupt the students and poison the culture of the medical school."

Amelia had suspected a setup from the moment she saw the post.

Not only had someone stalked them with a camera, but the comment section reeked of coordinated manipulation — too many accounts pushing the same narrative, stoking the same outrage.

Whoever was framing Trevor had orchestrated this carefully: fabricated evidence, multiple accusations layered together, including the most damning one of all — preying on an underage girl.

If Trevor got caught in this media storm and couldn't prove his innocence, Aurora College might strip him of his distinguished professorship.

But that wasn't the worst of it. As a member of the National Academy of Sciences, Trevor's name was tied to the integrity of the country's scientific community. If this escalated, he could face a formal investigation.

If that happened, the career he'd spent decades building would collapse overnight. The research he treated as a sacred calling would be ripped away. He might never set foot in a lab again.

Amelia hadn't been sure who would go to such lengths to destroy Trevor. This kind of malice spoke of deep-seated hatred — a vendetta aimed at total ruin.

Now, hearing Trevor mention the professor whose promotion he'd blocked, the pieces clicked into place. "Professor Lewis, do you think the person framing you is the same one you voted against? The one who lost the dean position?"

Trevor's answer was immediate. "That's exactly what I think. You know me, Amelia — I've spent my life keeping to myself, focused on my work. I don't make enemies.

"That associate dean, though — calculating, vindictive, small-minded. This is exactly the sort of thing he'd do. I've been calling him all morning, and he won't answer. I have no idea where he is."

"But the more he dodges my calls, the more certain I am he's behind this." Trevor's tone hardened.

Amelia went quiet for a few seconds, then asked, "So what are you planning to do? Do you want to create an Instagram account and set the record straight?"

"Amelia, I don't know the first thing about social media. But I've always believed in one principle — if you've done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear."

Trevor had spent his career in research, carrying himself with the pride of a scholar who'd never compromised his integrity.

Being framed, dragged through the mud by strangers who didn't know the truth — of course it stung.

"Those accusations, that so-called evidence — lies are lies. Let people say what they want. My conscience is clear.

"Aurora College and the National Academy haven't contacted me yet. If they launch an investigation, I'll explain everything directly to them. They can issue an official statement clearing my name."

Trevor had no intention of engaging with the online mob.

Amelia listened, but unease gnawed at her.

Trevor barely used the internet. He had no idea how fast platforms like Instagram could turn public opinion into a tidal wave that crushed everything in its path.

Sometimes, the court of public opinion was more destructive than any legal proceeding.

Even if Trevor explained everything to Aurora College and the National Academy, even if they issued statements exonerating him, if the public didn't believe it — if the narrative had already taken root — people would just assume the institutions were covering for him. Instead of fading, the scandal would explode.

With that grim possibility in mind, Amelia decided she needed to prepare for the worst.

If the story faded quickly, great.

But if it escalated, finding the person who set Trevor up would be critical.

"Professor Lewis, how about this," Amelia said. "This involves me too. I'm on break, so I've got time. Give me that professor's name and phone number. I'll track him down for you."

Trevor paused, considering. Then he said, "All right. I'd appreciate that."

"His name is Saul Jenkins. I'll send you his phone number on WhatsApp in a minute."