Chapter 257

“But this matter ends here.”

Alaricka’s gaze sharpened. He meant her exposure of Roschelle’s plagiarism.

The crowd finally understood: Kieran’s actions shielded Roschelle, settling accounts cleanly with other women to protect his beloved. What a devoted man.

Roschelle’s eyes softened, voice feather-light. “Kieran… thank you.”

Alarieka snorted. “Save it. The Seaside Resort built this stage. They’ll cover damages–not you.”

Her eyes locked onto Kieran’s. “And I won’t let this go.”

Kieran’s dark eyes instantly hardened, a storm gathering as he stared her down.

Dead silence fell once more.

Paloma Wyatt broke the stalemate. “Enough. The organizers take full responsibility. No more arguments–Ms. Huston’s injury will be fully handled with due compensation.”

As the event representative, her authority went unchallenged.

“Regarding final rankings…”

Contestants and audience leaned in.

“Alarieka and Roschelle’s situation delayed results. Prioritizing Alarieka’s care, judges and organizers will finalize rankings tonight. Announcement: tomorrow morning.”

Her tone turned decisive. “We’ll thoroughly investigate their dispute and deliver justice. Any objections?”

None came.

“Ambulance here!”

Security ushered medics through the door, stretcher in tow.

Doctors and nurses encircled Alarieka. She cooperated as they lifted her onto the stretcher, her ankle held perfectly still.

“Easy–broken ankle. Don’t move it.”

“Careful now. Careful.”

After the surgery to set her bones at the hospital, Alarieka was admitted to a private room arranged by the organizers.

As the anesthesia in her ankle wore off, pain gradually crept in.

Alarieka stared at her right ankle, suspended mid-air by a device and encased in plaster, brows furrowed as she endured the mounting ache.

Paloma peeled an apple and pressed it into her hand: “Eat this. You need nutrients.”

Alarieka took a tasteless bite, the apple crunching loudly in her mouth.

Paloma watched her, eyes growing heavy.

Swallowing the fruit, Alarieka murmured: “You have something to say, Ms. Wyatt?”

Paloma hesitated briefly before speaking gravely: “Tell me truthfully—what exactly happened between you and Roschelle Whitaker?”

Alaricka slowly lowered the apple, head bowed in thought rather than avoidance.

Interpreting her silence as evasion, Paloma’s tone sharpened: “Alaricka, this occurred during the Seaside Resort finals. We will investigate with or without your cooperation.”

Alarieka drew a sharp breath, lifting almond-shaped eyes to meet Paloma’s gaze.

Paloma’s throat tightened unexpectedly.

She’d never truly noticed before–Alarieka’s round eyes appeared distant when emotionless, almost phoenix-like. But gazing upward now, wide and upturned at the corners, they held an innocent vulnerability reminiscent of a soft, docile kitten, stirring involuntary pity.

Paloma’s voice softened unconsciously: “Be honest. Whether as judge or your elder, I won’t ignore injustice.”

Alarieka’s heart skipped. A ripple stirred in her eyes.

She moistened dry lips, voice rasping: “Ms. Wyatt… can I trust you?”

With just one sentence, Paloma’s heart melted completely.

Alarieka’s tone was calm, yet it carried an unmistakable hint of grievance.

Paloma reached out and pressed her hand over Alarieka’s, saying gently, “Tell me. I’ll stand up for you.”

The words were spoken lightly, but they weighed as heavy as a mountain.

If Paloma believed Alarieka’s account, she’d be opposing Rose.

Opposing Rose meant opposing Kieran.

Besides, Kieran had made it clear he wanted this matter dropped.

Everyone knew the extent of Kieran’s assets, influence, and methods.

Everyone understood his devotion and partiality toward Rose.

By saying this, Paloma was essentially brushing off Kieran’s warning. If Kieran pursued it, she wouldn’t escape his retaliation.

Paloma’s words held immense weight.

Alarieka’s heart gave a violent shudder as she rasped, “Ms. Wyatt…”

She swallowed, then licked her parched lips.

She felt nervous.

In her past life, she hadn’t stayed silent about Rose’s plagiarism. But back then, Rose had already risen to global fame as a celebrated pianist.