The email arrived Monday morning, simple and direct: Charlie, please come to my office during your free period today. - SterlingCharlie showed up at two p.m., expecting another mentorship conversation about balancing academics and professional experience. Instead, Sterling's expression was unusually grave, the kind of seriousness that made Charlie straighten in his chair before a word was spoken."Close the door," Sterling said.Charlie complied and sat."I'm hearing concerning things," Sterling began, folding his hands on his desk. "The Grant brothers are back, and they're working with Jerry Stone's network to undermine your reputation systematically. Students are talking. Questions are spreading about your scholarship, your summer internship, whether your success is merit or privilege."Charlie nodded. "I'm aware. Daniel filled me in."“And you’re not worried?”"Not particularly," Charlie said honestly. "I dealt with Nathan Cross trying to sabotage a multi-million dollar acquisitio