The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Logan ended his call and strolled back alone, his spirits surprisingly high tonight. The chilly evening air felt almost pleasant as he walked.

Gemma, restless and unable to sleep, went to the window for some fresh air. Spotting Logan heading toward the dorm building, she couldn't deny the stir of emotions within her. After all, she had been at the forefront of those spreading rumors about him. Guilt and remorse washed over her, and after a moment's hesitation, she decided to confront the issue head-on.

Logan had just reached the entrance when he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw Gemma, hesitating for a moment.

"You looking for me?"

Gemma nodded sheepishly. "I have something I need to confess to you."

"What is it?" Logan paused his unlocking process to face her.

"That day on the balcony, we thought you were a player, and we talked behind your back. I came to apologize tonight. It was wrong of me to tarnish your reputation based on my assumptions. I'm sorry." Logan didn't respond immediately, leaving Gemma in an awkward silence.

"If I've offended you to the point of getting expelled, I understand. I just wanted to apologize; what I did was wrong," Gemma said, bowing slightly in sincerity.

Logan took a moment before asking, "And what made you label me a player? What was your evidence?"

"Wasn't there a photo on your desk with a woman? We assumed she was your girlfriend, but you've always been so kind to Faye, so we thought..." Gemma trailed off, finding it hard to continue.

Logan nearly burst into laughter but then became suspicious. If they had noticed, it meant the photo was indeed conspicuous. What if Faye had gotten the wrong idea too?

Remembering the odd vibes from Faye lately, Logan felt uneasy.

"Who else knows about this?"

besides us, I think Faye and Dr. Pendleton?

he thought! Logan now understood the situation but couldn't find it in himself to

said, "Alright, I

sigh deeply just as the

out she got it all wrong?" Logan muttered to himself

photo was simply from their high school graduation, but it seemed

unusual for Faye to forget, but to suspect

Logan pondered,

he eventually drifted

next morning, Logan's

on time. He quickly dressed and drove to the court, where an elderly lady was being compelled to appean Initially reluctant, Logan had no

Mrs. Johnson glared at Logan in

at Mrs. Johnson, "It's time to settle

and videos clearly, with no

attacking anyone

up as she pleaded with Logan, "Dr. Logan, I realize my mistake. I was just too worried about my child. Please, give me another chance. Withdraw the lawsuit, please!" Despite her pleas, Logan remained unmoved until she exhausted

you can continue your misdeeds. You'll get hit by a car just like that woman. Scoundrels!" she cursed. Logan was unfazed by her insults

face another lawsuit for defamation right after this one, would you?" he said coldly, instilling fear in the old woman as he walked away. The lawsuit attracted much media attention. As Logan left the court,

you share the verdict? Did the villain get

nonchalantly, "Justice is always served, fairness resides

lawsuit for Ms.

broadcast, felt her heart race,