Chapter 437:

The judge fixed his gaze on Darren and inquired, "Are you questioning the authenticity and fairness of this competition?"

Darren nodded. "Yes, I believe someone else deserves to be on this stage." He glanced at Elyse, feeling compelled to seek justice for her.

"Are you referring to Elyse Lloyd?" the judge pressed.

Darren nodded.

The judge picked up a document, reviewed it briefly, and announced, "Elyse's performance was flawless. She is the rightful winner."

Vicky, in first place, was stunned. Her expression shifted to cold disbelief; Elyse's win would relegate her to second.

The judge set down the document. "However, this ranking appears to have been achieved dishonestly. We must disqualify her for violating the principles of fair competition."

"What? This is impossible!" Gavin erupted, rising swiftly.

Irving and Elyse also rose. Elyse, who had neither cheated nor bribed anyone, approached the stage urgently. "I demand a full investigation! I deny any accusations of cheating!"

The judge frowned. "Initially, I was inclined to protect your reputation. However, you seem ungrateful. Present the evidence of her bribery!"

A staff member gave Elyse a photograph. Gasping, she recognized the man she'd accidentally bumped into outside the restroom. The photo depicted her handing him a note.

Examining the photo, Elyse protested, "I don't know this man. We bumped into each other, and I helped him pick up something he dropped."

Sternly, the judge declared, "He has confessed. He claims you bribed him. Bring him here!"

When the man arrived, Elyse, arms crossed, asked coldly, "You claim I bribed you? Show the evidence. And if I did, what benefits did you receive? How much?"

Visibly unsettled, the man glanced toward Rebekah on stage, but she averted her eyes. He hesitated. "You contacted me. I don't have proof, but I'm sure it was you!"

Seeing his determination to implicate her, Elyse lost patience. "He has no solid evidence. A single photo isn't sufficient. I reject the results."

The judge's panel descended into chaos. Without concrete evidence, they couldn't prove Elyse cheated.

Gavin stepped forward. "I demand a reevaluation. Elyse is an apprentice under my instructor. It's absurd to suspect her."

The man scoffed. "And who's your instructor that his apprentice is above suspicion?"

Gavin replied calmly, "Cody Tucker. Do you really think his disciple would cheat? How absurd."

Hearing Cody's name, the man fell silent, his pleading gaze on Rebekah, who continued to ignore him.

Irving, noticing this, jumped onto the stage and confronted Rebekah. "You're the real cheater! He won't take his eyes off you. Won't you help him? He might be blacklisted!"

Rebekah shook her head. "Bullshit! I don't even know him. Why are you accusing me?"

Panicking, the man blurted, "Didn't you promise to be my friend if I helped you frame her? I helped you reach the semifinals, and this is how you repay me?"

Rebekah clenched her teeth, frustrated by his confession. Why confess now?

...