System Revenge: From Trash Boy to Top Boss

Chapter 24

The reaction of Damon's public rant was brutal, swift and heinous. Xavier, Mason, Sierra, Harper, Liam were all ostracized, their social standing quickly under siege. You could hear every single 'Wait out here' as they went around the street. You could hear the pointed stares as they entered the room. It was, like, a social death sentence.

Mason, aching to save his academic career, stalked Professor Davies after class.

“Professor, ” he cried, his voice faintly tumultuous, “those screenshots, well, they were taken off the cuff and I swear I was not cheating. I was just... helping a friend. ”

Professor Davies - a cowardly woman with a reputation for integrity - gave him a forbidding look.

“Mr. Thompson, ” she said, her voice cold and sarcastic. “The evidence would hardly lie. I’m afraid I have no choice but to report this matter to the academic integrity committee, and your future at this university is in serious danger. ”

On this occasion Mason's stomach threw back in dismay and hopelessness. "But Professor -- please give me another chance. I will do anything.

"You should have thought about that before you began to cheat, " Professor Davies finally said turning his back on him.

When forced to do so, Harper tried to persuade a group of ex-donors at a rush-hour press conference to reconsider her actions.

“I want to assure you, ” she said, a voice quivering a little, “that all the money I raise by my foundation is used for charitable purposes and the expenses that were pointed out... they were necessary for the proper operation of the organization. ”

A reporter raised his hand, an expression of doubt on his face. ”But Mrs Sterling, ” he said, “the papers clearly show that those expenses were for personal gain: lavish vacations, designer clothes. How do you justify that?

Harper sputtered, her tight-ening explanation falling apart. "I... I can explain, " she said, her voice barely audible. "It's just that... "

“Is it really true that less than 10% of donation actually goes to the charity, ” a second reporter screamed.

Hundreds of questions rioted out the hall as Harper’s carefully constructed image fell into disarray.

Because of Liam's humiliation over his family's financial situation being made public. He tried to avoid everyone: He locked himself in his dorm room and refused to answer any phone calls or texts.

His roommate, Ben, knocked on the door. "Liam, it's me," he said, his voice gentle. "Can I come in?"

Liam hesitated, then reluctantly opened the door. "What do you want?" he asked, his voice filled with bitterness.

"I just wanted to check on you," Ben replied, his expression concerned. "I know this must be tough."

"You have no idea," Liam snapped. "My whole life is a lie. Everyone thinks I'm rich, but we're broke. My parents are going to kill me."

"Hey, it's not your fault," Ben said, placing a hand on Liam's shoulder. "You didn't ask for this. And you're not alone. I'm here for you, man."

Liam looked up, his eyes filled with tears. "Thanks, Ben," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Meanwhile, Xavier, isolated and alone, paced his room, his mind racing with anger and resentment. He couldn't believe that Damon had turned on him, that he had exposed his friends' secrets to the entire university.

He picked up his phone, dialing Sierra's number. "We need to talk," he said, his voice cold and determined. "We need to figure out how to get back at Damon."

As Xavier's clique crumbled, a wave of former followers and "fans" began to flock to Damon and Aria, eager to align themselves with the new power couple.

Jessica, a former member of Sierra's inner circle, approached Aria after class.

"Aria," she said, her voice syrupy sweet. "I just wanted to say that I'm so sorry for the way I treated you before. I was wrong. You're amazing, and I'm so glad that you're finally getting back the recognition you deserve."

Aria regarded her with a skeptical gaze. "Really, Jessica?" she asked, her voice dry. "Because I seem to recall you calling me a 'fallen princess' just last week."

Jessica blushed, her smile faltering. "I… I didn't mean it," she stammered. "I was just trying to fit in. Sierra can be really… intimidating."

"I understand," Aria replied, her tone softening slightly. "But I hope you've learned your lesson. It's never okay to be mean to someone just to fit in."

"I have," Jessica said, her eyes filled with sincerity. "I promise. Can we… can we be friends?"

Aria hesitated, then smiled. "Sure, Jessica," she said. "We can be friends. But don't expect me to forget what happened."

Damon, witnessing the shift in social dynamics, saw an opportunity to promote a more inclusive and positive campus culture. He organized a series of workshops and events, focusing on topics such as diversity, empathy, and respect.

"We need to create a community where everyone feels valued and respected," he said at the first workshop, his voice filled with passion. "A community where people are judged on their character, not on their wealth or their social status."

Aria, inspired by Damon's vision, took a more active role in campus life. She joined the student government, advocating for policies that would promote equality and opportunity for all students.

One afternoon, Aria found herself alone in the library when Sierra and Harper approached her, their faces etched with anger and resentment.

"Aria," Sierra hissed, her voice dripping with venom. "You think you've won, don't you? You think you've destroyed us."

"I didn't destroy you," Aria replied, her voice calm and steady. "You destroyed yourselves. You made your own choices, and you have to live with the consequences."

"This isn't over," Harper spat. "We'll get our revenge. You just wait and see."

Aria smiled, her eyes filled with newfound confidence. "I'm not afraid of any of you," she said, her voice ringing with authority. "You don't have any power over me."

Sierra and Harper stared at Aria, their faces a mixture of shock and annoyance. It seems like the old Aria was back and stronger than ever.

"You'll regret this," Sierra snarled, turning and storming away.

Harper hesitated, then followed Sierra, her head hung low.

Aria watched them go, a sense of triumph washing over her. She had finally reclaimed her own social power.