Chapter 303
After Paloma finished speaking, deathly silence engulfed the office.
The leader said gravely, “Ms. Wyatt, I respect you. That’s why, until today, I’ve given you time to resolve this. Out of respect for you, I’ve shielded Alaricka from accountability.
“But look where we are now. Things have spiraled out of control. Roschelle dominates the court of public opinion. Countless executives, employees, and netizens are watching. Without a proper resolution, this won’t end peacefully.
“Alaricka must apologize. There’s no other way.
“So, Ms. Wyatt, I’m begging you—please don’t stand in the way.
“You value Alaricka, but consider us employees too. We’re just workers. Making her apologize is our only option.”
Alaricka lowered her eyelids, fists slowly clenching at her sides.
Paloma stayed silent for a long moment. Then, abruptly, she laughed.
Alaricka lifted her gaze, staring at the figure seated at the front of the office.
That had to be Paloma.
From start to finish, Paloma sat straight-backed, head held high.
Ms. Wyatt chuckled lightly: “That’s their clever tactic. Neither the McIntosh Piano Competition organizers nor Alaricka are at fault. They’re weaponizing public opinion to dodge the real issue—shifting focus from the plagiarist and victim onto the competition and Alaricka. Roschelle Whitaker should be facing consequences, yet the organizers and Alaricka are forced to apologize. Masterful maneuvering. I almost want to applaud.”
“The one who should apologize and bear the shame is Rose! Instead, she’s playing victim while the internet coddles her. Pathetic. She’s still milking sympathy online—utterly shameless!”
“Paloma! Enough!” The director snapped.
“Do you realize what you’re saying?” he hissed through gritted teeth. “You think we’re blind? We stay silent because we must. Rose has Kieran Argent backing her—the investor of this year’s McIntosh Piano Competition. Anyone can see how devoted he is to her. How dare you insult her? Are you trying to get yourself killed?!”
“Kieran could crush us like ants. We wouldn’t stand a chance.
“That viral outrage online? I’d bet Kieran engineered it.
“Stop targeting Rose. His engagement announcement now is a clear message: he’s shielding her. What can we do? That’s how this world works. We can’t make Rose admit fault—Alaricka must take the fall. No one’s backing Alaricka.”
Truth is, right and wrong hinge on where Kieran stands.
With Rose? Then Rose is right. Alaricka is wrong.
That’s irreversible.
If Kieran declares Alaricka guilty, she’s guilty.
Alaricka must apologize.
Someone muttered: “Why shield a plagiarist? What does Rose even offer? Is he so blinded by love? Alaricka gets cyberbullied daily—she was practically his sister for years. How can he be this heartless?”
“Don’t you know? They were teenage sweethearts. The whole school knew. Rose studied abroad—they split. Kieran waited years, never dated others. She returned months ago, and now they’re engaged. He’s head over heels. Who can interfere?”
So, there’s no room for negotiation now. If only Roschelle Whitaker was involved, we might have had a chance. But with Kieran Argent stepping in—a man moved to fury for his lady—there’s nothing we can do. We’ve all heard how ruthless his methods are. Our best bet is to sincerely apologize to Roschelle Whitaker. At least that might convince Kieran and Roschelle to show us mercy.
The leader said gravely, “Enough. Stop gossiping here. If your words reach Kieran Argent’s ears, even I won’t be able to save you.”
Everyone below fell silent.
The leader spoke again, almost pleading, “Ms. Wyatt, there’s truly no way around this. Mr. Argent has likely already spoken to the higher-ups. The executives insist on Alarieka Huston apologizing. If she apologizes, this can be resolved. If she doesn’t….”
“Mr. Argent’s stance is clear: this isn’t over.”
Alarieka’s heart sank.