They make sure nobody else can tell the truth. But they made a mistake. Aaliyah pointed out. Sarah talked to you. She's scared, but she's not completely silenced yet.
Nia said darkly. Give Grayson time. He'll find a way to pressure her into staying quiet permanently. They spent the next hour documenting everything Sarah had told Nia, including specific quotes from Grayson's threats and the names of other students he had approached. Marcus insisted on precise times and locations for each incident.
This pattern of intimidation is going to be crucial, he explained. It proves Grayson knows his original story won't hold up under scrutiny. As evening approached, Aaliyah returned to her dorm room, feeling exhausted. The day had revealed just how far Grayson was willing to go to protect himself. His father's influence might shield him from immediate consequences, but his desperation was creating new evidence of his guilt.
She was reviewing her notes when she noticed the white paper that had been slipped under her door. No envelope, no signature, just a single page of university disciplinary policy with one section highlighted in bright yellow. The highlighted text read, "Students with specialized training in combat sports, martial arts, or other fighting disciplines bear heightened responsibility for avoiding physical confrontations, and may be subject to enhanced penalties for any use of force deemed excessive given their advanced capabilities." The message was clear. Even if she proved Grayson had initiated the confrontation, they could still claim her martial arts training made her response excessive. Instead of panic, Aaliyah felt cold determination.
She photographed the paper from multiple angles, then sealed it carefully in an envelope. This anonymous threat would join the growing pile of evidence, showing exactly how desperate Grayson and his supporters had become. Marcus's office smelled like coffee and old books. Papers covered every surface. File cabinets lined the walls.
Aaliyah sat across from his desk while Nia paced near the window. "Show me what you found," Marcus said. Aaliyah handed him the anonymous document. The highlighted section glowed under his desk lamp. Marcus read it twice, his jaw tightening with each word.
This is targeted intimidation, he said. Someone wants you to know they're building a case against your martial arts background. Can they actually use that against me? Aaliyah asked. They'll try.
Marcus set the paper down carefully. But this feels desperate, like they know their original story is falling apart. He turned to his computer and began typing. I've been thinking about something all night. Grayson's behavior toward you wasn't random.
The systematic harassment, the public humiliation, the way he cornered you with witnesses, it felt practiced. What do you mean? Nia stopped pacing. I mean, I think he's done this before. Marcus clicked through several screens.
As a university employee, I have access to internal conduct records. Nothing confidential, just basic logs of complaints and outcomes. The search results filled his screen. Marcus scrolled down, his eyes scanning dates and case numbers. Then he stopped.