Chapter 1381
Celeste slammed her hand on the table, a cold smile spreading across her face. “Do you need evidence before you’ll confront reality?”
A ripple of whispers swept through the room, quickly escalating into chaos. The host, beads of sweat on his brow, stood on stage, clearly flustered.
Elyse nodded. “Then speak the truth. I’m eager to know. What evidence do you have that I cheated?”
Tension crackled as Elyse and Celeste locked eyes. In the corner, Krista shrank deeper into her chair, head lowered.
Suddenly, a distinct voice cut through the silence. “I am the evidence.”
Nick walked onto the stage, seemingly unfazed by the attention. His calm, clear voice filled the hall. “Your cheating ended my competition prematurely. What compensation can you offer for my loss?”
Elyse stared at him, confusion evident. Nick in the Swan Cup? She couldn’t recall him.
Noticing her puzzled expression, Nick pressed on. “Why the silence? Feeling guilty?”
Elyse carefully chose her words. “I didn’t know you competed in the Swan Cup. I’ve never seen you there.”
A sneer curled Nick’s lips. “No surprise. A despicable woman like you wouldn’t care whose chances were ruined.”
Elyse remained silent.
The production team rushed the stage. Nick allowed them to escort him off, leaving Celeste to announce her refusal to score Elyse, citing a lack of integrity.
Although Elyse lost Celeste’s score, it ultimately mattered little. Captivated by her performance, the audience and other judges awarded her high marks, securing her victory. However, Elyse knew the broadcast would bring intense public scrutiny. The prospect of the ensuing online storm gave her a headache. She decided to immerse herself in work before returning home.
She asked Jayden to investigate Nick; he said it would take time. Elyse braced herself.
While practicing her violin, her phone rang. It was Pearce. “Could you join us for dinner tonight? Grandma has been asking about you constantly.” Exhaustion tinged his voice. Elyse paused, her feelings about Felicia still complex.