Chapter 4
“Reporter White, do you still remember how to use a recorder?” Luna handed me a brand–new device.
I chuckled softly. “This? I’ve never forgotten.”
On my first day back at the newsroom, I donned my professional suit and applied a flawless layer of makeup.
The scruffy housewife, that version of me, had been cast aside for good.
“This is the latest tip–off.” Luna slid a stack of materials toward me.
“It’s all about the kindergarten education sector. Fake certifications, falsified degrees, and countless cases of child abuse.”
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I flipped through the first file and froze when I saw a familiar name: Fiona.
Ha, seems like all my searching for answers was unnecessary–it came to me effortlessly.
The investigation proceeded smoothly.
Fiona’s university degree? From a very mediocre institution.
Her teaching certification? Bought for a hundred thousand dollars.
Her work history at other kindergartens? Completely fabricated.
“I found something interesting” a colleague exclaimed, rushing over. “Fiona has used her relationships with principals and
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Chapter 4
investors to climb up the ladder in two other kindergartens!”
I smirked. “Check her hotel stay records.”
Three days later, a detailed report exploded across the media: “The Tragedy of Kindergarten Teachers: The Tip of the Iceberg in the Education Industry.”
“Prestigious investor Anthony’s elite kindergarten hires fraudulent staff!”
“Graduated from top universities? Master’s degree? All fake!”
“Shocking! A renowned kindergarten turned into a hunting ground for certain individuals!”
The public outrage was immediate.
“This is a scandal!”
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Chapter 4
“So, this is what high–end kindergartens are really like?”
“Both the principal and the investors should be investigated!”
Fiona’s Twitter was flooded with angry parents in the comments.
Panicked, she called me. “Marie! How dare you frame me like this?!”
“Frame you?” I turned on the recorder. “I’m just telling the truth.”
“You… You wait! I’m suing you for defamation!”
“Sure,” I said, my voice calm and steady. “I just happen to have some rather interesting photos of you that I haven’t posted yet. Want
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to see them? You know, the all the amusing photos of you with those directors and investors.?”
There was silence on the other end of the line.
The next day, Fiona was suspended from her position at the kindergarten.
“Immediate termination of employment with Fiona!”
“A full investigation into all involved parties!”
“A special task force has been established to thoroughly investigate this matter!”
Press releases from the Education Bureau came one after another.
The kindergarten Anthony had invested in
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was now drowning in the scandal, its stock price plummeting.
“Marie!” His enraged voice came through the phone. “Do you have any idea how much money I’ve lost?!”
“Sorry about that,” I said casually, sipping my coffee. “I’m just a naive, uncultured housewife. I don’t know anything about investments.”
“You…” He was so furious he couldn’t find the words. “Our son is being isolated at school, and you still call yourself his mother!”
My hand froze for a moment.
That afternoon, I showed up at the gates of my son’s new school.
He had lost so much weight, his head down
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as he hurried along, with the murmurs of his classmates following him:
“I heard his dad is the guy in the news!”
“That woman in their house, she’s some fake teacher!”
“My mom says I can’t play with him…”
My son’s shoulders trembled slightly, and he fought to hold back his tears.
In that moment, I longed to run to him and hold him in my arms.
But just then, he lifted his head and saw me.
His eyes were full of hatred.
“Go away! It’s all your fault! I hate you!”
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Chapter 4
He turned and ran away. I stood frozen, tears streaming down my face.
I’m sorry, my son.
But Mommy has to teach you a lesson.
You need to understand that not everyone who is gentle deserves your trust.
“Reporter White,” Luna tapped me on the shoulder. “New leads just came in. The Education Bureau is conducting a full audit of all kindergartens‘ qualifications.”
I wiped my tears and returned to my desk.
Turning on my computer, I typed swiftly, the keys clicking furiously as I wrote a new headline: “Investigation into Education Chaos: The Black Market for Certification Agencies.”
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Meanwhile, Anthony’s company stock plummeted again.
Several major clients pulled out, citing that they couldn’t trust an investor who couldn’t even manage a kindergarten properly.
“Marie! What do you want from me?” His text came through, his tone now more subdued.
I replied: “Remember when you told me to stay home and be a good wife? Well, now I’m just doing my job. Exposing the truth–that’s what a journalist does, isn’t it?”
“Marie!” A colleague rushed over, her face full of excitement. “Fiona wants to settle this privately. She’s willing to do an interview and spill everything!”
I spun the recorder in my hand, a cold smile
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creeping across my lips.
Perfect. The drama has only just begun.
Let’s see whose truth is more thrilling.
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