I asked this probably because deep down, I hadn't quite processed it all and subconsciously harbored some doubt.

Kate explained that the student council rep was her friend, someone she had mentored all the way to the vice-chair position. So when Kate needed help, her friend did her best to assist.

"Actually, Jane used to badmouth you all the time back then. My friend was close with Jane at the time, so she didn't say anything about it."

Kate took a sip ...