Brett's smile tightened. "We'll see about that."
The next morning, Amaya arrived at school to find her locker surrounded by security guards and Principal Harrison. The principal's expression was grave as she approached.
"Miss Walker, we need to search your locker. We've received information that stolen items from the science lab may be inside."
Amaya's stomach dropped. "That's ridiculous. I didn't steal anything."
"Nevertheless, we need to check."
As the security guard opened her locker, Amaya wasn't surprised to see several expensive microscope lenses tucked behind her books—items she had never seen before.
"These were reported missing yesterday," Principal Harrison said, her voice cold. "Care to explain how they ended up in your locker?"
"They're not mine," Amaya said firmly. "Someone planted them."
"A serious accusation. Do you have any proof?"
Amaya thought of the cameras, but none had been positioned to view her locker directly. Not yet.
"Then I'm afraid you'll need to come with me. You're suspended pending an investigation."
As security escorted her to the office, Amaya caught sight of Brett watching from around the corner, a satisfied smirk on his face. This was his counter move, and for the moment, he had the upper hand.
In Principal Harrison's office, Amaya sat silently as the principal called her father. Twenty minutes later, Elijah arrived, his expression carefully controlled.
"Mr. Walker," Principal Harrison began. "I'm afraid Amaya has been caught with stolen property in her locker."
"Has she?" Elijah's voice was deceptively calm. "That seems unlikely."
"The evidence suggests otherwise."
"Evidence can be misleading," Elijah countered. "Especially when it's been manipulated."
Principal Harrison frowned. "Are you suggesting someone framed your daughter?"
"I'm not suggesting it. I'm stating it as fact, and I think we both know who would have a motive to do so."