Suspecting something was one thing; hearing it confirmed was entirely different.

Though she’d long suspected Kieran Argent was pulling strings behind the scenes, and though she’d braced herself–hearing it aloud still made her feel a pang in her chest. Her throat tightened, dry and scratchy.

Paloma Wyatt scoffed coldly, “How exactly does Kieran Argent want Alarieka to apologize?”

The leader paused thoughtfully. “Mr. Argent didn’t specify details, but the executives mentioned demonstrating sincerity. They suggest Alarieka record a video admitting she failed to distinguish right from wrong, acted impulsively, made false accusations against Roschelle Whitaker, and falsely accused her of plagiarism. She must declare Roschelle innocent and apologize earnestly. If she does, Mr. Argent and Roschelle will let this go. You must understand–Mr. Argent is the investor. What choice do we have…”

“This is utterly outrageous!”

Paloma slapped the table hard. “If Roschelle is innocent, then everyone in the world is innocent! Every pianist banned for plagiarism should be welcomed back!”

The leader’s tone grew impatient. “Ms. Wyatt, why can’t you see? Regardless of who’s at fault, this mess stems from Alarieka and Roschelle. They must resolve it. Our role is mediation–shifting responsibility onto Alarieka.”

Paloma retorted instantly, “Director Liu, you know me. In my decades in this field, plagiarism has always been my greatest contempt. I tolerated Roschelle copying right under my nose. But now you expect me to force Alarieka to apologize? No! As a human being, I refuse.”

Seeing Paloma’s unwavering stance, the leader hardened his tone. “Ms. Wyatt, I don’t care about anything else. The executives’ position is clear: if you insist on protecting Alarieka, you get lost. Never return as a judge for the Mcintosh Piano Competition. Consider your reputation as a pianist erased from our memory.”

Alarieka’s eyes snapped up, her hands clenched tight.

She heard Paloma’s voice, firm and unwavering: “And I’ve said it before: I’ll leave if I must. But I will never force Alarieka to apologize.”

Alarieka’s eyes were shocked, yet moved for Paloma.

Paloma had always conveyed to her that everything was fine, that she was doing well.

But she never expected Paloma’s relationship with the Mcintosh Piano Competition organizers had become so strained.

All because of her…

The moment Paloma stood up, Alarieka almost pushed the door open to stop her from leaving.

Her feet shifted slightly, then stilled.

She saw the man beside Paloma immediately press her shoulders down as she rose.

“Ms. Wyatt, hear me out first. Decide after I finish.”

Paloma retorted coldly. “What’s left to say?”

The leader suddenly sighed: “Ms. Wyatt, leaving won’t affect you, but look at every employee sitting here. They’re all trying to resolve this. If we fail, upper management will hold them accountable–most will get fired.

You can walk away unscathed, but think what this job means to them. Many support entire families–parents and children. Without this income, how will they survive?”

“Ms. Wyatt, I’m swallowing my pride to beg you. For their sake, persuade Alarieka to apologize. Just an apology–she won’t lose a single hair. One person’s brief discomfort will make everyone happy.”

“Look at the online abuse Alarieka’s enduring. If she apologizes, Rose’s fans will back off. Those people are already calling us–imagine the harassment she’s getting. An apology solves everything, Ms. Wyatt. Why cling to plagiarism accusations now?”

“This society belongs to people like Kieran and Rose,” the leader said hoarsely. “We’re powerless. Ms. Wyatt, I’m begging you–my family’s begging you. I’ve got an $8,000 mortgage, $3,000 car loan, my kid’s in private school with insane tuition… I can’t lose this job.”

“Please–you know Alarieka. Convince her to apologize. My whole family’s on their knees here.”