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“Who. Submitted. This. One?” Milo repeats, enunciating each word.

“Milo, I understand you’re upset, but I won’t tolerate insubordination in my office.”

“Then stop treating Max like she’s guilty of something she didn’t do.”

Hargrove ignores him and turns his attention back to me.

“There’s something else you need to understand, Maxine. The assignment in question received a failing grade, while Mr. Collins awarded all your work with considerably higher marks. Given the concerns previously raised about your relationship with him, that discrepancy has unfortunately raised additional questions about whether you received preferential treatment.”

My blood runs cold.

“You told Brown about Mr. Collins?”

“When the admissions office asked whether there had been any previous concerns involving your academic conduct, I was obligated to provide an accurate account of the school’s records. That included your suspension sophomore year and the reason behind it. So yes, that information was divulged. But I also made sure to inform Brown that the investigation into the allegations involving Mr. Collins was closed without any finding of misconduct on your part. I made that very clear to them.”

“Then why the hell would you bring it up?” Milo says, gripping the back of my chair.

“Because withholding relevant information during an official inquiry would have been inappropriate. The university was entitled to the truth so they could make a well-informed decision.”

I shake my head, unable to believe what I’m hearing.

“So let me get this straight. Someone steals my story, puts their name on it, and suddenly I’m the one who gets accused of plagiarism? And because of some bullshit that happened two years ago, Brown decides I’m a liar?”

“The university reviewed the material and requested a written response to the allegations. That request was sent to the email address listed on your application.”

I stare at him.

“What email?”

“According to the admissions officer, they contacted you last week and sent a follow-up when they received no response.”

“I never got an email.”

“Maxine, I can only tell you what the university has reported to me. They stated that, in the absence of a response from you, and after reviewing the information provided by this school, they concluded that they could no longer rely on the authenticity of the work submitted with your application.”

I can barely hear him over the blood rushing in my ears.

“They’ve therefore withdrawn your offer of admission. And because your financial aid package was contingent upon your enrollment, that offer is no longer valid either.”

“No,” I whisper.

“I’m very sorry.”

When tears start to stream down my cheeks, Milo holds onto my shoulders, just to keep me from falling apart completely.

But Hargrove isn’t finished.

“Unfortunately, there’s another matter we need to discuss.”

“Really? There’s more??” I bite out, wiping the angry tears away.

“Given the seriousness of the allegations, the school has also conducted its own review. While we have not reached a final determination regarding academic misconduct, the administration has decided that you will not participate in the commencement ceremony with the rest of your graduating class.”

“You’re joking, right?” I ask, my jaw nearly hitting the floor.

“I assure you, I’m not.”

“You’re banning me from graduation?”