Noah’s Science Project Was Smashed Before Class — Then the Security Camera Showed Who Entered the Lab
Chapter 4 — “It Wasn’t Supposed to Win”
Noah couldn’t understand the answer.
“What does that mean?”
Evan stayed silent.
Principal Reynolds stepped closer.
“Evan, start explaining.”
Finally, Evan spoke.
His father, Richard Grant, owned a local engineering company.
Every year, the company sponsored part of the school’s science fair.
This year, Tyler had entered a model tower.
Richard had helped him build it.
A lot.
Too much.
Tyler’s tower had been considered the favorite to win.
Then Noah tested his bridge during class.
It supported almost twice the expected weight.
Students began talking about it.
So did teachers.
Evan heard that Noah’s project might beat his brother’s.
“So you destroyed it?” Ms. Carter asked.
Evan shook his head.
“It wasn’t my idea.”
The room went silent.
Tyler looked at him.
“What?”
Evan immediately regretted the words.
Principal Reynolds noticed.
“Whose idea was it?”
Evan stared at the floor.
“Nobody’s.”
“You just said it wasn’t yours.”
“I meant—”
“Evan.”
The boy stopped.
Then quietly said:
“My dad told me Noah shouldn’t be allowed to embarrass Tyler.”
Tyler’s face changed completely.
“Dad told you to break it?”
Evan shook his head quickly.
“Not exactly.”
“Then what did he say?”
Evan looked toward the adults.
“He said accidents happen in school labs.”
Noah felt cold.
What had looked like ordinary jealousy was beginning to sound like something much worse.
