Chapter 944:

Fiona stood at the entrance to the rehearsal hall, scanning the room. Geraldine’s eyes widened in shock. “How did she get in? Wasn’t she behind bars?”

Edward leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “They let her go. There wasn’t enough evidence to hold her.”

“So, you’re saying she didn’t do it?” Geraldine asked, still stunned.

“Lack of evidence doesn’t mean she’s innocent,” Edward replied, his voice low. He had been present during Fiona’s interrogation. They knew someone was helping her, but they hadn’t figured out who yet. Until then, the police had no choice but to release her.

When Fiona spotted Elyse, her eyes sparkled. Without hesitation, she stepped into the room.

Elyse’s expression darkened at the sight of Fiona. Wrinkling her brow, she snapped, “Why aren’t you staying at the hotel? Why are you here?”

Fiona rattled the food container she held. “You’ve been putting in long hours at rehearsals. I was worried you might be running low on energy, so I brought you some snacks.” She pulled out the snacks and offered a sheepish smile. “Would you like to try one?”

Elyse regarded Fiona with suspicion. As Fiona extended the snacks, Elyse’s instincts screamed caution. She quickly declined, “No. I don’t want any. I’m not hungry.”

Fiona’s face fell, and she glanced around at the others, looking forlorn. She began again, “Elyse, can’t you forgive me? I’m truly sorry.”

She hesitated, then added with a hint of frustration, “I just hoped to lift your spirits with some of your favorite snacks. I’m trying to patch things up between us.”

Elyse had had enough of Fiona’s act. How could Fiona possibly confess to her wrongdoings? If she were truly remorseful, she wouldn’t have behaved the way she did the previous day. It was obvious she had ulterior motives.

Yet Elyse couldn’t decipher Fiona’s scheme. All she could do was maintain her distance to protect herself.

Lost in thought, Elyse didn’t notice one of the contestants observing the exchange. Seeing Fiona’s apparent distress, he felt a pang of sympathy. He criticized Elyse, saying, “I don’t know what your issue is with her, but she’s gone to the trouble of bringing snacks to win your forgiveness. Why are you so unforgiving, refusing to let her make amends?”

Elyse turned to face him. His name was Quinn Wright, a contestant who generally kept to himself, tied for third place. While others chatted during breaks, Quinn usually absorbed himself in his phone. It was unexpected when he spoke in Fiona’s defense. . . .