Brett's voice grew stronger. I didn't want to do it, but Grayson said his father would protect us no matter what happened. That's a lie, Grayson exploded, jumping to his feet. You're a coward, Brett, a pathetic coward who can't handle pressure. Mr. Vale, sit down, Dean Morrison ordered.
He's lying to save himself, Grayson shouted, pointing at Brett. Everything he's saying is complete garbage. My father will destroy him for this. Security, please escort Mr. Vale out of the room," Director Walsh said calmly. Two officers entered and approached Grayson, who was still shouting.
"This is rigged. That girl attacked us, and now you're letting them twist everything around." As security led him away, his voice echoed down the hallway. "My father owns half this university. You can't do this to me. The room fell quiet again.
Outside in the corridor, excited whispers began spreading among waiting students. Brett confessed. He admitted they planned it. Grayson completely lost it. Back inside, Brett continued his testimony with more confidence.
Grayson said she was just a scholarship student, nobody important. He said we could do whatever we wanted and there wouldn't be consequences. Dr. Rodriguez made careful notes. "And what was your role in the confrontation?" "I grabbed for her backpack first," Brett admitted. Grayson told me to take it and dump everything out, humiliate her in front of everyone watching.
When Brett finished, Cody and Tessa were called forward. Both refused to make eye contact with Grayson's empty chair. Their statements were brief and reluctant, but neither contradicted Brett's confession. The panel members exchanged glances. Dean Morrison looked ready to begin deliberation.
Then the door opened. Victor Vale entered with two lawyers and a thick folder of documents. His expensive suit and commanding presence immediately changed the room's atmosphere. I apologize for the delay, he said smoothly, but new legal considerations have emerged that require immediate attention. He placed papers in front of each panel member.
My son may have acted foolishly, but Miss Brooks's response was entirely disproportionate and legally problematic. Marcus tensed. What are you talking about? Miss Brooks is a certified black belt, Victor continued, his voice calm and professional. Her martial arts training makes her hands and feet legally considered weapons.
Under university policy and state law, any physical response from someone with her training constitutes excessive force. The room went silent again, but this time the quiet felt different, heavier, more dangerous. Victor smiled coldly at Aaliyah. No matter who started the confrontation, she had a legal obligation to retreat rather than engage. Her black belt status changes everything.
Just as the panel prepared to deliberate, Grayson's father had found a way to turn Aaliyah's greatest strength against her. The panel members studied Victor Vale's documents with growing concern. The legal papers spread across their table like a trap that had just been sprung. "This changes the legal framework entirely," said administrator Patterson, the same man who had quietly buried previous complaints against Grayson. His thin face showed satisfaction as he read through Victor's argument.