Chapter 10 - The Foundation’s Findings
The sterile, glass-walled conference room on the tenth floor of the State Academic Foundation building smelled faintly of fresh carpet and floor wax. Marcus and Ava sat on one side of the sleek mahogany table, while two Foundation officers—Director Vance and a senior legal investigator named Miller—sat opposite them. Between the two parties lay an open file containing printed bank statements, shipping manifests, and a certified copy of the original grant acceptance form.
“Mr. Vance, Miss Vance, thank you for coming in on such short notice,” Director Vance began, sliding a printed delivery receipt across the table. “Our automated security systems flagged an unusual IP address mismatch during the final confirmation phase of the coding fellowship. While the initial application originated from Ava’s registered school device, the shipping address override request was submitted from a residential router registered to a commercial shipping service across town.”
Ava leaned forward, her eyes scanning the delivery manifest. “That’s the shipping store next to Julian’s garage,” she whispered, looking up at Marcus.
Investigator Miller adjusted his glasses, his expression grave as he looked at Ava. “That is correct, Miss Vance. Furthermore, our security team traced the electronic signature authorizing the address change. It was executed using a digital certificate that requires a secondary verification code sent via text message to a linked mobile number.” He slid a second paper forward. “A mobile number registered under Nia Vance’s personal credit profile.”
Marcus felt a heavy numbness settle into his chest. He had known, of course, that Nia was deeply involved, seeing the physical proof laid out in a federal-grade investigation report made the reality significantly more painful. It wasn't just a petty family dispute anymore; it was an institutional fraud case with serious legal ramifications.
“What does this mean for Ava’s fellowship?” Marcus asked, his voice steady despite the storm raging inside him. “She didn't have anything to do with the override. She was the one who got the box of cleaning supplies.”
Director Vance smiled gently, offering Ava a reassuring nod. “Rest assured, Mr. Vance, the Foundation’s board conducted an emergency review at seven o’clock this morning. We’ve verified that Ava’s original project files are entirely authentic and among the highest-scoring submissions we’ve received in five years. The fellowship is entirely secure, and a replacement laptop—along with an upgraded hardware package—has already been dispatched directly to your home address with signature confirmation required.”
Ava let out a long, shuddering breath, her shoulders dropping as the immense weight of anxiety finally lifted from her chest. “Thank you,” she whispered, a genuine smile breaking through her serious expression.
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Investigator Miller cleared his throat, leaning forward across the table. “However, because federal education grant funds were legally manipulated, our office is required to refer the unauthorized override and identity theft documentation to the local district attorney’s office by the end of the business day.”
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