Ethan Confronts Ava About His Secret Family Ties**

Ava's eyes widened like saucers as Liam's bombshell hung in the air:

"Ethan is Professor Lee's son. A secret he's kept hidden for years..."

Sophia looked stunned, mouth agape. Ava slowly turned towards the café entrance, expecting Ethan to burst in any moment.

And then he did.

Ethan's face was pale, eyes fixed intensely on Ava. "You know," he stated flatly, voice low and even.

Ava nodded slowly. "Liam just told us. You're Professor Lee's son..."

Ethan approached their table, his movements deliberate. Liam and Sophia slid back, sensing tension.

Ethan stopped beside Ava. "I wanted to tell you myself, but..."

He trailed off, searching for words.

Ava prompted gently, "But what, Ethan? Why keep this secret?"

Ethan drew a deep breath before beginning:

"Growing up, my mom warned me about Professor Lee's reputation – ruthless in academia and politics. When I enrolled in his college program, he didn't acknowledge me publicly... said it would ruin his reputation and mine."

Sophia whispered, "That's messed up."

Ethan nodded grimly. "He only contacted me privately – mentoring me in journalism while keeping our relation hidden. After my expulsion... he cut official ties but still guided me secretly."

Ava's expression softened. "You were trying to redeem yourself through exposing his scandal... and prove yourself apart from his name."

Ethan's eyes locked onto hers. "Exactly. Ava, my feelings for you are real – not influenced by my family secret or Professor Lee's agenda. Can you still trust me?"

Liam and Sophia exchanged glances, then discreetly exited the café, leaving Ava alone with Ethan.

Ava searched Ethan's face, her heart racing with emotions. She took his hand, her voice barely above whisper:

"I want to trust you, Ethan. But we need to uncover the truth together – about Professor Lee, the scandal, and your family..."

Ethan's face lit up with hope as he squeezed her hand.

Ava and Ethan sat in his college dorm room, surrounded by notes, documents, and laptops.

Their investigation began with Ethan sharing everything he knew about his father's scandal:

"Professor Lee allegedly embezzled university funds, bribed officials, and manipulated research grants. But he's clever – leaving minimal digital trails."

Ava nodded intensely. "We need physical evidence or whistleblower testimony. Let's start with people close to him..."

Ethan listed names:

**Dr. Rachel Kim**: Professor Lee's research partner and possible accomplice.

**Victor Martinez**: Former university accountant who abruptly resigned.

**Maya Singh**: Professor Lee's former assistant, now transferred to another department.

Ava prioritized them. "Let's divide and conquer: I'll approach Dr. Kim and Maya, you tackle Victor Martinez."

Ethan agreed, handing Ava a folder. "Background info on Dr. Kim and Maya. Be careful, Ava – Professor Lee will suspect something if he sees you questioning them."

Ava smiled determinedly. "I've got a cover story – researching a journalism project on university research collaborations."

As Ava left to investigate, Ethan called Victor Martinez, disguising his voice:

"Victor, this is an old colleague from auditing. Heard rumors about Professor Lee's finances... care to discuss?"

Victor's hesitant voice replied, "Meet me at Java Corner café, 5 pm. Come alone."

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