Part 2Stealing My Spot: I Chose State Secrets

After the ceremony, the entire campus of Aldenbury University was buzzing with stories about what I'd done.

They said I was pulling rank, jealous of a student from a disadvantaged background, and trying to pressure his own father into abusing his position.

Ian became everyone's inspirational success story, while I was painted as some spoiled rich kid who couldn't stand to see someone less privileged get ahead.

Megan didn't even bother pretending anymore. She stopped bringing me breakfast and discussing research data with me.

Instead, she poured all her energy into celebrating Ian's fellowship.

I saw the photo she posted on social media. Ian was holding a birthday cake while she smiled at him with obvious affection.

The caption read, "We've made it through the hardest part. Congratulations to our little hometown genius."

I scrolled past it without expression, then blocked her.

…

That afternoon, I was summoned to the dean's office.

When I pushed open the door, Dad was sitting behind his desk. I thought he might at least feel a little guilty. Maybe he'd even pretend to care and offer me a few words of comfort.

But he didn't even look up.

"Give me the core data from your national research project. Make a copy for Ian."

I froze, convinced I'd misheard him.

"What did you say?"

Dad finally looked up, his brow furrowing.

"Ian may have secured the fellowship, but his thesis still needs work," he said. "The data from your project is exactly what he needs. If he uses it, he'll have a much better chance of graduating with honors."

I stared at him, a chill settling over me.

Suddenly, I remembered the year I graduated from high school. I'd worked myself to the bone to make Dad proud and ended up ranking first in the science track across the entire Aldenbury.

When I received my prize money, I didn't spend a cent on myself. I saved up and bought him an expensive silk tie instead.

I'd been so excited when I handed it to him, but he didn't praise me. He didn't even try it on.

The next day, I saw that same tie around Ian's neck.

I confronted Dad about it, and he had the nerve to act as though he'd done nothing wrong.

"The color is too flashy for me," he said matter-of-factly. "It doesn't suit me. Besides, Ian's never had nice things. It'll be much more useful to him.

"You're the top student in Aldenbury. Surely you can live without one tie."

He was right.

He assumed I didn't need it, so that was why he felt justified in taking my graduate fellowship too.

And now, Dad wanted the research data I'd nearly destroyed my health to obtain—the data I'd earned after months of sleepless nights and two trips to the emergency room for stomach bleeding.

All so he could pave someone else's path with it.

"Dad," I choked out, my eyes stinging. "I'm your son too. From the day I was born until now, have you ever—just once—felt sorry for me?"

Dad froze for a moment, then his expression hardened.

"Karl, what the hell is wrong with you?" he bellowed, slamming his palm against the desk. "You've always had the best of everything. Ian can't even afford a decent computer, and you're seriously going to begrudge him a little help?

"I'm the dean. I have a responsibility to look after every student who's struggling. As my son, you should understand that better than anyone!

"If you're going to keep being this selfish and narrow-minded, then don't call me Dad when you leave this university."

I stared at him, and realization finally dawned on me.

Despite all that talk about being a loving father and being fair and selfless, I was nothing more than a prop in the image he wanted everyone else to see.

My eyes filled with tears, but I forced them back.

I took a deep breath and wiped the corner of my eye.

"Fine, Prof. Ludwig." I finally relented. "I'll give you the data."