Chapter 329 I Bought a Watch Last Year

Chapter 329 I Bought a Watch Last Year

"What?"

The moment the words left Amelia's mouth, the atmosphere froze.

"Wait, what?" Kevin's eyes widened. "Amelia, are you saying that article claims Professor Lewis used a special admission slot to manipulate you? That the girl in the photos taking money and gifts is you?"

"This has to be a joke!" Jenny's temper flared instantly, her voice rising. "That article is utter nonsense!

"Professor Lewis saw your talent and offered you that slot on his own. How did that get twisted into manipulation?"

Amelia's voice remained calm and measured. "Professor Lewis never manipulated me. That bank card and those gifts were already mine.

"The entire article is built on a few stolen photos and the fact that he offered me the slot. It's a fabrication, pure and simple.

"Whoever leaked this story is clearly trying to destroy Professor Lewis's reputation, to tear him down in the court of public opinion — and maybe worse."

Kevin took a deep breath.

When he'd seen the article on Instagram this morning, he hadn't paid much attention.

After all, he didn't know Trevor. He only remembered the name because Amelia had gotten a call from him once, so he'd skimmed the post out of mild curiosity.

He never imagined the so-called manipulated minor in the article was his own sister.

He'd been on the fence about whether the story was real, but now it was crystal clear. This was a hit job, and his sister had been dragged into it.

Thank God they had blurred Amelia's face in the photos. If her identity got out and the online mob turned on her, he would move heaven and earth to find whoever took those pictures and made up those lies.

Ryan dropped his usual easy-going demeanor, his tone turning serious. "Sweetheart, it sounds like you know who's behind this?"

"I do. That's why I came home to talk to Mom."

Amelia nodded, then turned to Jenny. "Mom, Professor Lewis told me the person who took those photos and spread those lies is probably Saul."

"Saul?" Jenny's eyes went wide. "Amelia, you mean your uncle?"

Though Amelia had never called Saul uncle, he was Jenny's brother, which technically made him her uncle.

Amelia relayed everything Trevor had told her.

She explained how Saul had been blocked by Trevor's vote when the deputy dean was running for dean, and how that grudge might have driven him to do this.

She explained how the story was gaining traction by the hour, and if things spiraled out of control, Trevor could be destroyed by the backlash — his entire life ruined.

So she needed to find Saul and get the truth. If he was responsible, he needed to come forward and set the record straight himself.

"Amelia," Jenny drew a deep breath, steeling herself before speaking, "Saul is my older brother. I know exactly what kind of man he is."

Amelia expected Jenny to say Saul would never do such a thing, but instead her next words came out hard as steel. "Knowing Saul's personality, he's absolutely capable of something this vicious and underhanded."

Amelia, Zander, and Tobias exchanged glances.

Their mother clearly had no illusions about her brother's true nature.

Jenny continued, "Those photos were taken yesterday, right? If Saul took them, he must already be in River City, but he didn't tell me."

"Don't worry, Amelia. I'll call him right now. If he's in River City, I'll get him to come to the house.

"If he really did this and dragged you into it, I swear I'll go ballistic."

Jenny had just pulled out her phone when Amelia stopped her. "Wait, Mom.

"Don't mention any of this directly. I'm worried that if Saul is behind it, he'll panic and refuse to come."

Jenny saw the logic in that.

She ran through what she'd say in her head, then dialed Saul's number.

Unlike when Trevor had tried calling and gotten nothing, Jenny's call connected almost immediately.

Amelia and Michael exchanged a look.

So Saul had blocked Trevor's number. That made him look even more guilty.

"Hello? Jenny? What's with the sudden call?" Saul's voice came through the speaker, casual and upbeat, like he was in a good mood.

Jenny spoke carefully. "Saul, you haven't been to River City in months, have you? Want to come stay for a few days? Ryan just finished filming yesterday and came home. He's planning to stay through New Year's. You should come visit."

Jenny knew Saul's daughter was obsessed with Ryan.

As long as Saul was in River City and knew Ryan was home, he'd show up even if it was just to get an autograph for his daughter.

Sure enough, at the mention of Ryan being home, Saul perked up immediately. "Ryan's back? Actually, I'm on a business trip to River City right now. Just got in yesterday, but I've been so swamped I didn't get a chance to tell you."

"Perfect timing then. Come over for dinner tonight. We'll have a family gathering." Jenny seized the opportunity.

"I'll swing by to get a few autographs from Ryan for my daughter, but as for dinner… I'll pass." Saul snorted. "That little country bastard is still living with you, isn't she? That trashy little bitch makes me sick just thinking about her."

Jenny's expression darkened instantly.

She nearly unleashed a string of profanities, but Amelia caught her hand just in time.

Jenny took two two sharp breaths and forced the conversation back on track. "I meant to say, I bought a watch last year. Come over tonight and tell me if you think it looks good."