t h i r t y e i g h t

"Let's get this over with."

Megan sighed as she stood at the entrance of Ridgecrest Academy for what she hoped to be the last time. She had not wanted to attend the graduation, but at the same time, she wanted to see her brother's plan in person.

"We'll be right there with you," reassured Aurora as she and Xavier walked up to where Megan was standing. Her hand was clasped together with Xavier's, dragging him along with her.

"Thank you, again, for doing this for me," murmured Megan as she looked up at the couple.

Xavier hugged Megan close, leaning down to plant a kiss on her head. "Anything for you, peanut. We'll see you inside."

Megan nodded, waving goodbye to her entire family who had shown up to her graduation. She made her way through the halls to where all the graduating seniors were standing, waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Instead of looking down on the ground as she would usually, she held her head up high as her sisters had encouraged earlier. She did nothing wrong and she was done acting like she was scared of everything.

She had nothing to be afraid of, especially since her family was here. Everything was going to be over soon and she couldn't wait to see their faces when everything was revealed. Karma was definitely going to be a bitch.

Just being able to talk to her family without hiding anything made her feel free. The few days that she had spent with the girls had been the happiest she had been this entire school year.

Even today, they had helped her get ready— with Maddie doing her makeup beautifully and Aurora helping her style her hair into perfect waves. Her mother had gifted her with a one of a kind beautiful white dress to wear underneath her royal blue graduation gown and Stephanie had pampered her with a mani-pedi. She couldn't help but feel incredibly grateful for the women in her life.

Noah's eyes widened as Megan's eyes met his when she walked by. She gave him a small smile, one that made his heart beat a little faster. Since her gown wasn't zipped up yet, he could see the beautiful white dress she had underneath and he swore he just saw an angel walk by.

In a way, she glowed— the bruises and cuts on her face had completely disappeared since he last saw her outside of the restroom. He had gotten extremely worried when she hadn't shown up for class this past week and he wasn't even sure she was going to show up to graduation.

Megan finally got to her spot and waited patiently for the ceremony to begin in the school's auditorium.

However, not long after she got to her spot, a figure walked up to her.

"You have some nerve coming back here, rat," sneered Marissa as she stood looking down at Megan with two of her minions behind her snickering.

Megan scoffed and rolled her eyes. Instead of keeping her head down as she usually did when Marissa confronted her, she held her head up higher.

"What is this? An Isabella Knight dress? What'd you do to get your hands on it— steal it? Because I sure as hell know a rat like you couldn't afford this luxury," Marissa brought her hand up to touch the dress, but Megan quickly slapped her hand away. By now, students standing nearby were starting to pay attention to the commotion.

Marissa looked appalled by the action but quickly covered it up with anger. "Oh? The nerd's fighting back? Just because it's the last day, doesn't mean you can start acting up, rat."

She brought her hand up to slap Megan, but right before she touched her, Megan quickly reached up and stopped the hand. She was done playing nice.

Before Marissa could even pull away, Megan held onto the hand tighter. Megan then turned to look straight into Marissa's wide eyes. "I'm going to say this only once and you better get it through your thick ass head. I'm sick and tired of being your punching bag. You think you're better than everyone at this school, well newsflash Marissa, you're nothing in the real world. Grow the fuck up Marissa and leave me alone before I make you."

Marissa glared at her still taken aback by the words spoken directly at her. "You're going to regret this, bitch."

"No, you're going to regret this," Megan said, holding her ground. "Karma's going to come get you soon. Now run along before you humiliate yourself even more."

Megan shoved her away, causing her to stumble back into her minions who looked equally as shocked.

By now, jaws were wide open as they just witnessed the confrontation. Megan nonchalantly turned away, crossing her arms as Marissa stomped away angrily with her minions following after her.

Megan bit back a celebratory smile as her heart pounded inside her chest. Her sisters would be so proud of her and for once, she couldn't believe that she actually stood up for herself. She couldn't even believe she just did that— she didn't know she had it inside of her.

By now, all the guests were already inside, leaving the Knight family to walk into the school. All of them kept a blank expression on their faces, the feeling of anger growing as they walked further into the school.

Heads turned as they walked past the graduating class watching in awe as the famous Knight family strolled by. They couldn't believe that all of them were there, attending their graduation ceremony.

With her fingers still intertwined with Xavier's, Aurora sent Megan a subtle wink as they walked by. Elijah gave his sister a small nod, and she returned the gesture with a beam, making him smirk. He was glad his little sister was back to her old cheerful self.

As they walked by, Noah couldn't help but recognize the woman walking hand in hand with the Xavier Knight at the front. He remembered that her name was Aurora and that she had introduced herself as Megan's family friend. The gears in his head were turning as he tried to figure everything out.

The group finally made it to the grand auditorium where it was almost filled up to the brim with family and friends attending the graduation.

Aurora could practically feel the power radiating from her boyfriend and his family as she felt all the stares of awe. While Xavier was expressionless, on the inside, she knew he was furious because of his tight grip on her hand.

"Mr. Knight, it is an honor to have you and your family here today," greeted the principal. And indeed, it was an honor, but it was quite surprising that the entire Knight family had shown up. It was odd that they all chose to attend this year's commencement ceremony seeing as they were often too busy to come by.

Alexander couldn't help but glare at the principal. This was the man who allowed his youngest daughter's tormentors to go unpunished.

Xavier took a deep breath to calm himself before nodded slightly. The balding plump man was starting to sweat bullets under Xavier's scrutinizing stare.

"We have your seats ready on stage and in the first row," he continued when there was no reply. "The staff will lead you to your seats. Again, it is an honor to have you here with us tonight."

Ignoring him, Xavier walked past the shaking man and began to make his way over to the stage. And of course, stares followed them as she was led to the stage by Xavier.

Isabella followed along with Alexander as only the four of them would be the only ones sitting on stage. Everyone else would be in the front row off to the left side. The graduating class would fill up the seats in the middle section while parents would sit on the sides and in the back.

"Babe, calm down," whispered Aurora, trying not to trip on the steps onto the stage.

It was then he realized how tight he was gripping her hand and immediately, he loosened his grip. "Sorry, love." He placed a gentle apologetic kiss on the back of her hand as he carefully led her to their seats. "I'm just really angry."

"I know," she took a seat next to him, placing their intertwined hands in her lap. "I'm angry, too. But, this will all be over soon."

"I hope so, love," he murmured as he brought his voice lower when Isabella and Alexander took their seats next to them. This wasn't the time, but he couldn't help, but stare at his gorgeous girlfriend. "You're so fucking beautiful."

She was wearing a simple light olive green dress that had a breezy A-Line skirt. The bell sleeves ended with a drawstring tie around her wrists. A bit of skin could be seen through the crochet work throughout the torso and around her elbows.

"I think you say that to me every day," Aurora snorted but smiled at his compliment. Even during times like this he still managed to be sweet. "You clean up pretty well yourself, Mr. Knight— I wonder who picked out your suit."

"I believe my beautiful girlfriend picked it out for me," he mumbled as they watched the principal walk up to the podium. "And I'm only speaking the truth, sweetheart. I think you love my compliments."

She rolled her eyes, lightly slapping his thigh. "Maybe I do, maybe I don't," She playfully shrugged. "Now, pay attention—I think they're starting."

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," announced the principal. "I would like to welcome you to the 40th Commencement Ceremony Ridgecrest Academy. Graduation day is the day that marks the conclusion of an educational journey and the commencement of another. Without further ado, please welcome our graduating seniors."

Music began to play, and through the two back entrances, students in royal blue graduation gowns began to enter the auditorium. Aurora stood and cheered when she spotted Megan, causing Xavier to stand. All eyes were on the soon to be graduates.

When they were settled back down, the ceremony began. The principal seemed to be drone on and on, making Aurora slightly squirm in her seat. She was never good at just sitting still for a long time without anything to do.

"Finally," muttered Aurora, when students began to get called up onto the stage to receive their "diplomas". Inside the black graduation folder that they hand you on stage, was just a blank piece of paper. Students would head to a table outside the auditorium after the ceremony to receive their actual printed diplomas. "My butt's starting to get sore."

"Do you want me to rub it for you, sweetheart?" Came Xavier's cheeky retort. He had said it so casually, not even glancing over at her when he spoke.

"Xavier!" She gasped as she clapped harder when Megan was called up. "We're supposed to be serious right now— doesn't Megan look so beautiful?"

"She does," he agreed, chuckling at how quick she was to change the subject. "And I can't help it sweetheart— you brought this onto yourself."

Aurora rolled her eyes, muttering a quiet, "Behave."

As soon as the last student had been called up, everyone was seated once again and the principal took his place back at the podium.

"Congratulations again to all of this year's graduating seniors," the principal smiled proudly. "We have a very special guest here tonight, or shall I say, guests. Knight Industries has been proudly sponsoring Ridgecrest Academy for many years now. It is an incredible honor that the entire Knight family is here tonight. Now, it is my pleasure to introduce the guest of honor and speaker of this year's commencement. Please welcome, Mr. Xavier Knight."

There was loud cheering and with the introduction done, Aurora gave his hand a quick squeeze, silently wishing him good luck. Xavier stood up with his signature blank expression and then made his way to the podium.

It was finally time.

"Good evening, parents, teachers, faculty, and students of the graduating class. First and foremost, I would like to congratulate the graduating class on successfully overcoming their first milestone. Today marks the end of one phase, but the beginning of another chapter in your lives as high school graduates," Xavier began.

The speech was normal so far. Oh, how that was going to change very soon.

"Although I would like to say that I am honored to be here tonight, I am, in fact, not," Confusion began to spread throughout the auditorium, but Xavier just simply continued. "It has been brought to my attention that this school has been accepting bribes from parents trying to hide the disgusting behavior of their children."

Everyone froze.

"This is not the behavior that I endorse and this is certainly not the behavior that my father supported. Since the very beginning, my father has generously donated to Ridgecrest Academy every year without asking for anything in return.

"According to the school, Ridgecrest Academy highlights the importance of supporting their students in both their academics and dreams. There is also an emphasis on equality within the student body, yet here I am, hearing that my very own baby sister is being physically and mentally harassed by her peers. And still, to this day, nothing is being done to punish those responsible."

No one had known that the youngest Knight was even attending the school, but even so, this behavior shouldn't even be allowed regardless.

From the side of the stage, the principal quickly scrambled to where Xavier stood with a panicked expression. "Mr. Knight, I'm sure this was just all a big misunderstanding, I-"

Xavier held up his hand to silence him before continuing.

"Misunderstanding?" He repeated menacingly. "Then explain to me why I come home to see my sister trying to hide the bruises and cuts all over her body? Why did she choose to hide that from us? The answer is simple. Because she feels like nothing can be done to help her. In fact, throughout this entire year, she has been hiding both the physical and mental assault from my family."

The principal's mouth opened and closed, not knowing what to say.

"And when she tried to speak up and seek help from the faculty multiple times, you all choose money instead of doing the right thing. This is what enrages me— that you all chose to turn a blind eye on bullying. So, let me ask you this. Was it worth it— risking your careers to accept the bribes from parents, who all, by the way, work for me?" Xavier smiled coldly, one that made everyone shiver with fear. "Therefore, starting today, Knight Industries will be withdrawing all funding for Ridgecrest Academy."

Xavier paused and immediately, a bunch of chatter erupts. He could sense panic coming within the crowd and once again, the principal tried to interrupt to Xavier.

"Silence," Xavier's harsh tone immediately quieted everyone. That was the power that he held, and he wasn't afraid to show it, especially when he thought back to what Megan had to go through this entire year.

"To the students who hurt my sister, you know who you are," he addressed with no emotion. "You will be punished accordingly. And don't waste our time trying to deny any of these claims because we have gathered enough evidence to put you away. I will not state your names because you don't even deserve to have your name said by me. All of your universities have been notified as well, and I do hope you are prepared for the letters of rescinding."

Sharp intakes of breaths could be heard.

He carried on, not paying them any attention. "To the students who are also victims of this unjustness, we will be contacting you soon to give you a chance to tell your story. I know my sister was not the only victim and she has shared that there have been other instances. This is your chance to have your story told and I urge you all to not be afraid anymore. I assure you that those responsible will be punished.

"To the parents who have been bribing the faculty, I find it quite ironic that all of you either work under me or for one of the companies that I own. By now, you may have received a notice of termination in your emails— effective immediately," He paused as parents begin to frantically check their phones. Gasps could be heard, but Xavier continued. "You will not be allowed to work for Knight Industries and any of the companies we are associated with ever again. Charges will be filed accordingly based on evidence gathered. Oh, and might I give a suggestion— it would be a good time to contact your lawyers."

"And lastly, to Principal Jeffrey Donalds and his faculty," He turned around to look at all of them in the eye. They flinched under his glaring stare causing him to smirk. "My lawyers will be contacting you soon."

He turned back to the audience who were watching him with silence. "Now, before I end my speech, I would like to call up my baby sister, Megan McKay-Knight."

Megan stood up nervously from her seat and slowly began to make her way down the middle aisle up towards the stage where her brother stood with a reassuring smile. She could feel the stares on her back as jaws dropped with realization. She could see Marissa gaping at her from her peripheral vision, making her smile.

She kept her head held up high, not letting their stares get to her as she reached the podium. Xavier grabbed her actual diploma from Jackson who stood nearby and handed it to her with a gentle smile.

"Congratulations, peanut," he murmured, pulling her in for a hug. He pulled away and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "I'm so proud of you."

"Woo!" Came a cheer from the audience. Elijah stood clapping loudly with a proud expression on his face. "That's my little sister!"

Damien rolled his eyes and stood, while Stephanie slapped the back of Elijah's head. One by one, the entire Knight family stood up and Megan couldn't help but feel powerful.

Megan walked over to where her parents and Aurora stood. Both Isabella and Alexander brought her in for a hug. Isabella had tears in her eyes as she stared at her beautiful daughter. Alexander leaned down to place a kiss on the crown of her head, murmuring how proud and sorry he was.

"Let this be an important lesson to all of you," Xavier's loud voice echoed throughout the auditorium. "Greed will only get you nowhere in life. The real world is far from the easy life that you had in high school. Keep that in mind as you move on from this chapter in your life. Good luck with your future endeavors, and once again, to the graduating class, congratulations."

To say that everyone was speechless would be an understatement.

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Sorry for the long chapter! But also not sorry because shit went down. We're almost at 60k reads, yall are fucking amazing, beautiful people. Thank you for reading <3