Chapter 316
But it didn’t matter. Whoever Mr. Argent supported became the right side.
With Mr. Argent backing Ms. Whitaker, and Lin being his subordinate, sympathizing with Ms. Huston was futile.
Reading the apology statement, even Lin found it excessively harsh–it had trampled the innocent Ms. Huston into the dirt.
He expected Ms. Whitaker to object, but she approved it without hesitation.
Only after her approval did Lin suddenly realize Ms. Whitaker’s true character.
She wasn’t the kind, generous, gentle, and sensible woman she portrayed–or whom others described!
Now he watched Mr. Argent with complex emotions.
He never imagined the woman Mr. Argent loved so deeply could be like this. It was truly unbelievable.
Perhaps this was love–embracing not just virtues but flaws too.
Lin guessed Mr. Argent would be furious about the apology statement. Though unspoken, Lin could tell Mr. Argent still cared for Ms. Huston; otherwise, he wouldn’t have tasked Lin with securing her a spot in the Mcintosh Piano Competition.
While everyone claimed Mr. Argent sponsored the competition solely because Ms. Whitaker participated, Lin suspected a tiny, tiny part of his motivation involved Ms. Huston’s participation slot.
When Lin approached the Mcintosh Piano Competition organizers requesting the slot, they hinted it required sponsorship. Not daring to delay, Lin immediately reported to Mr. Argent.
The very next day, Mr. Argent sponsored the competition. Lin witnessed Ms. Whitaker throwing herself into Mr. Argent’s arms, overjoyed.
After painstakingly securing a competition slot, no one expected Ms. Huston wouldn’t need it. Ms. Huston proved herself by earning a spot directly from the judges.
True to form, Lin Huan saw Mr. Argent’s expression darken, his gaze pressing down on him. “Who authorized you to respond to the school without my approval?”
Lin Huan replied, “Sorry, Mr. Argent. Ms. Whitaker was pushing hard. She watched me send the reply right then.”
Mr. Argent fixed him with an intense stare. “Out.”
Lin Huan exhaled in relief, mentally cheering. His bonus was safe!
Ms. Whitaker was his guardian angel!
He hurried out. Before closing the door, he saw Mr. Argent pull out his phone, dialing with a stormy expression.
While waiting, Kieran felt uncharacteristically restless. His eyes drifted to the wall clock.
8:35 PM.
Thirty seconds had passed since his call. Alarieka still hadn’t answered.
Kieran’s suppressed irritation grew. His long index finger tapped impatiently on the desk.
Tap… tap… tap…
Each strike echoed his agitation.
The call ended unanswered.
Kieran pressed his thin lips together, sharp brows furrowed, and redialed.
Suddenly, the door burst open. Assistant Lin Huan rushed in breathlessly. “Mr. Argent! Ms. Huston already posted her apology statement online!”
Kieran’s face hardened instantly, his presence turning suffocatingly oppressive.
Lin Huan couldn’t meet those dark eyes, awkwardly lowering his head. “But… Ms. Huston’s version is… different…”
Lin Huan walked over and handed over his phone. Displayed on the screen were Alarieka Huston’s social media account and her public statement.
After passing the phone, Lin Huan didn’t dare meet Kieran Argent’s eyes. He silently stepped back and lowered his head.
"Hello everyone, I’m Alarieka Huston, one of the key figures in the Mcintosh Piano Competition.
Regarding recent events, I hereby declare:
First, Roschelle Whitaker did plagiarize. This fact remains unchanged regardless of alleged “good intentions.” I’m genuinely baffled–why is there room to whitewash proven plagiarism?
Why would a relatively obscure piano competition gain such viral attention?
Why must certain fans or netizens dox, harass, and hurl abuse at me and innocent people around me?
I won’t claim complete innocence, but based on available evidence, Roschelle Whitaker is absolutely not blameless."