Chapter 439:

The judge frowned and asked, "Is that your best? Do you truly believe your performance warrants a place in the top ten, a spot in the finals, and international competition?"

Gritting her teeth, Rebekah retorted, "Of course, I'm worthy! A flawed rendition of 'Erlkönig' doesn't negate my other phenomenal pieces. They're more than enough to secure a top-ten position!"

Unable to tolerate Rebekah's insolence, the judge pointed at the man and asked, "Did Rebekah make a deal with you to cheat?"

The man swallowed nervously, hesitant.

"Tell the truth, and I'll ensure you keep your job. I won't involve the police," the judge stated firmly.

The man's eyes widened in surprise. He immediately confessed his dealings with Rebekah, fearing she would renege on their agreement and leave him empty-handed. Saving his job seemed a fair exchange for betraying her.

Rebekah was stunned by his selfishness. The audience's hostile glares intensified her sense of injustice. She pointed an accusing finger at the man and shouted, "You imbecile! How dare you betray me? Did I ever wrong you?"

He shrugged nonchalantly. "You denied our relationship, yet expected my help? Who do you think you are?"

He was escorted out by staff as Rebekah continued to scream obscenities, primarily directed at Elyse and Darren, whom she blamed for revealing her secret and ruining her chances.

Fed up, the judge slammed his hand on the table. "Enough! You're disqualified from this competition and any future ones. Go home and reflect on your behavior!"

Rebekah, stunned, protested, "No! I'm innocent! You're all biased because you're deceived into thinking Elyse is great—she's Cody Tucker's apprentice! I'll expose all of you on TV!"

Elyse's eyes widened. Rebekah was clearly distraught.

Two staff members forcibly removed Rebekah, still cursing, through the backstage door.

Sighing, the judge addressed Mariana and Elyse. "With Rebekah's scores nullified, the rankings will be recalculated. The final decision will follow."

"Yes, sir," Elyse replied, politely leaving the stage with Mariana, followed by Darren and the other contestants awaiting reevaluation.

After composing herself, Fiona approached Elyse. "I heard what happened. I'm so sorry."

Elyse smiled. "It's alright. I'm glad I proved myself. How are you? I knew you'd make the top ten."

Fiona smiled. "Thank you. I was irrational earlier. You're not mad, right?"

Elyse shook her head. "Of course not. You were upset. Let's forget it and wait for the new rankings."

Darren joined them, teasing Elyse. "You'll be first, knocking me down to third."

Concerned, Elyse quickly said, "Your performance was phenomenal, far better than Vicky's." She winked playfully.

Amused, Darren whispered, "I'll ask the judges why they preferred Vicky."

"Brilliant!" Elyse agreed. "We can't let Vicky place above you."

Watching them, Fiona felt a pang of jealousy over their high scores.