Chapter 2: The Knock That Changed Everything
The knock came three minutes later.
Not a polite knock.
The kind that means someone already knows what they're walking into.
Lila's smile flickered.
Mom set down her toast.
Dad went very still.
I didn't move.
Professor Shaw stepped through the door, and behind him stood a woman I didn't recognize — until I saw the university lanyard and the folder tucked under her arm.
Research Integrity Office.
She had driven forty minutes in morning traffic.
Lila laughed, nervous now.
"Who are these people?"
"They're here because of the account breach," I said.
"And the missing phone.
And the drawer."
"I don't know what you're—"
"Lila." Professor Shaw's voice was quiet.
"We have the access logs."
The color left her face.
Mom turned to Dad.
Dad looked at the floor.
That was when Professor Shaw placed a single printed page on the kitchen table.
I didn't need to read it.
I already knew what it said.
But Lila did read it.
And halfway through, her hand came up to cover her mouth.
"That's not—" she started.
"I was only asking.
I never actually—"
"The university will decide that," the woman said.
Then Lila said something I will never forget.
May you like
Four words, directed straight at me.
And the room went completely silent.
