Alarieka arched an eyebrow. “You recorded it? Perfect.”

After securing the recording, Alarieka untied Sammy Durant. “Go. I’ll handle the police. But remember to publicly apologize and clarify online later.”

Sammy remained silent, head bowed, quietly unraveling the ropes binding him.

Once freed, Alarieka stood. Sammy stayed seated on the floor, motionless with downcast eyes.

Alarieka’s lips curved faintly.

Sammy had always believed himself exceptionally talented. His elimination fueled resentment toward her. Blaming her “backdoor dealings” became his crutch – a refusal to admit his own inadequacy cost him the semifinals. That arrogance made him easy prey for Rose’s manipulation, blinding him to truth.

Forcing Sammy to apologize publicly meant forcing him to acknowledge her superiority. For a man like him, swallowing pride was worse than death. This humiliation would haunt him for ages. No wonder he reacted this way.

As Alarieka turned to leave, Sammy’s voice halted her.

“Alarieka.”

She faced him. “What now?”

Sammy had risen, though his gaze stayed fixed on the ground. His voice was low and dejected. “I’m sorry.”

Alarieka’s brow lifted. Had she misheard?

Was Sammy Durant actually apologizing?

For a moment, she froze, unsure how to respond.

Sammy lifted his head, eyes blazing with stifled resentment. He gritted his teeth. “I was wrong. All this time, I’ve made you suffer. I owe you an apology. Please, don’t hold it against me…”

He paused, frowning awkwardly. “Never mind. You have every right to resent me.”

Avoiding her gaze, Sammy clenched his fists, voice barely audible. “Anyway, I’m sorry. You deserved that semifinal spot. I misjudged you. You’re genuinely impressive.”

Alarieka’s lips twitched. “Don’t expect gratitude.”

Sammy flared up instantly. “I never asked for your thanks!”

Amusement flickered in Alarieka’s eyes. “Fine. I’m leaving.”

As she turned, Sammy caught that glint of humor. His anger surged. “I was bitter! But I own my mistakes. If I’m wrong, I apologize. Stop mocking me!”

Alarieka waved over her shoulder without looking back. “Got it. Bye.”

Eliminated contestants could watch performances from the audience seats. When Alarieka returned after dealing with the police, several people already occupied the rows. She settled into a corner seat, indifferent to the acts onstage, and pulled out her phone to check social media.

Within thirty minutes, the algorithm delivered exactly what she wanted.

Sammy had acted swiftly – deleting the slanderous post and publishing a public apology. He admitted to impulsively smearing another contestant. His tone rang sincere, accompanied by a photo of a handwritten apology letter. The script was neat, the message lengthy, leaving no room for doubt about his earnestness.

Alarieka tapped “like” on the post and scrolled down to read the comments.

“Bro, what’s going on? I was still enjoying the drama when you apologized?”

Sammy replied under that comment: “I’m really sorry to Alarieka. I acted on impulse because I couldn’t accept losing. My apologies to everyone.”

“Damn, for real? You backed down and apologized so fast?”

Sammy replied, “Yes, I’m completely convinced by Alarieka.”

“Whatever, it’s just an apology. The Meintosh Piano Competition’s been around for years – this isn’t new. Past contestants who got eliminated always blamed ‘capital suppression’ or whatever. Truth is, they just weren’t good enough but thought they were hot stuff. Same thing this time: Alarieka seems decent anyway – why make such a fuss?”

Sammy said, “You’re right. No conspiracy here.”

“Feels fishy though. Did the McIntosh organizers threaten you into posting this? Or was it Alarieka?”

Sammy replied: “Not at all. I did it willingly. Hope Alarieka gets great results.”

More comments flooded in, but Alarieka stopped reading.

Jaylene messaged her: “You okay? Just saw the online drama. Done with your round?”

Alarieka replied: “Never better. Semifinals finished, but results aren’t out.”