Since ancient times, no one had ever been able to make sense of this argument.Â
People had debated it for centuries–everyone knew education mattered.Â
But now, when someone seemed to gain everything without hard work, resentment naturally followed.Â
Tessa saw the post and couldn’t help praising Aaron. “You really found the right person for this. With that angle, Aurora will have no choice but to respond publicly.”Â
Tying the issue to education was a smart move. People valued education above almost everything else, and noÂ
one would tolerate someone who took shortcuts.Â
Many were just watching the drama unfold, enjoying the spectacle. But the moment it touched on something personal, like fairness or opportunity, they would all jump out to join the fight.Â
It was a familiar pattern.Â
Aaron looked pleased with himself. “If the public doesn’t buy it, especially that director who isn’t even worried about the backlash, then I’ll make sure this keeps spreading.Â
“By the time I’m done, he won’t be able to keep her on the show even if he wants to.”Â
Hearing that, Tessa feigned sympathy, though the malice flickering in her eyes gave her away.Â
Aaron, pretending not to notice, smiled instead. “Just don’t forget what you promised me, Tessa.”Â
Tessa gave a coy smile. “You really remembered that?”Â
“Of course. You said it yourself. How could I possibly forget?”Â
Her tone was soft and teasing, but her expression told a different story entirely.Â
To her, he was just a means to an end.Â
Giving him a few crumbs to keep him pleased–what harm could that do? Besides, she told herself, the pleasure was mutual, and he was never the one in control.Â
“Don’t worry, I never forget what I’ve promised you.”Â
Tessa knew exactly how the game worked–if someone did her a favor, she had to give them something inÂ
return.Â
Aaron grinned, satisfied. “Just wait and see. Everything will go exactly as planned.”Â
When Aurora saw the online discussions had escalated into debates about philosophy and education, she could hardly sit still.Â
She hadn’t expected her dear sister to go to such lengths just to ruin her.Â
1/2Â
Dragging something this deep into the argument? Clearly, she had underestimated Tessa.Â
That night, when she returned home, Lucas was the first to bring it up.Â
“Do you want me to step in and handle this for you?”Â
Aurora shook her head firmly. “No need. I can take care of it myself. Besides, this is between me and Tessa.”Â
“So you’re sure it’s her?” Lucas asked, curious. Aurora hadn’t even investigated much–how could she be so certain?Â
Aurora nodded. “The way things are spreading online, it’s obvious. Whoever’s behind this isn’t just smearing me. They’ve turned it into a debate about whether hard work even matters.Â
“Someone putting that much thought into destroying me? Other than Tessa, I can’t think of anyone else.”Â
2/2Â