Chapter 317
Second, I’ve decided to withdraw from high school. Those holding grudges–whether netizens or Roschelle’s fans–shouldn’t target the school, teachers, or students. Leave the Mcintosh Piano Competition judges and staff alone; they’re innocent. I alone bear responsibility for my actions. Direct all criticism solely at me.
Third, thank you to whoever drafted that statement for me. I’ll present it uncensored–this so-called apology reeks of performative thoroughness.
Third, I don’t believe I did anything wrong. Given another chance, I’d do it all again.
Fourth, I sincerely apologize to everyone affected by this fallout. I’m truly sorry.
Finally, I won’t deactivate my social media account or disable DMs. Speak your mind freely.
Beneath the statement, Alarieka attached a screenshot of her call log–rows upon rows of unrecognized numbers flooding her phone.
She also posted the apology draft the school had prepared for her. Her phone’s crystal-clear resolution exposed every word in stark detail from start to finish.
Lin Huan’s first thought after reading it: Alarieka had truly lost her mind, daring to challenge Roschelle Whitaker online.
Those close to Mr. Argent knew Roschelle occupied a far higher place in his regard than Alarieka ever could–even as his sister.
This incident proved it. When Mr. Argent ordered him to mobilize media and influencers, Lin Huan witnessed firsthand the staggering lengths he’d go to for Roschelle.
Not just unprecedented PR budgets, but personal investment.
Despite his crushing schedule, Mr. Argent carved out hours daily to manage Roschelle’s crisis.
Ever since she confided her depressive struggles, he’d been batch-processing work or postponing meetings, freeing entire afternoons to accompany her to therapy appointments.
This was nothing like the old Mr. Argent. Everyone knew him as a workaholic, and people assumed he’d marry his career. Who’d have thought Roschelle Whitaker would appear?
Alarieka Huston was smearing Roschelle’s reputation online. Reyna Wright could already picture Alarieka’s miserable fate after Mr. Argent settled accounts with her.
A minute passed. Reyna cautiously lifted her head, stealing a glance at Kieran Argent’s expression.
She only caught a glimpse of his gathering storm-like expression and shadowed eyes before her heart lurched, forcing her head down.
“…Any instructions, Mr. Argent?”
Kieran clipped out: “Phone.”
Reyna retrieved the phone from his hand. “Then I’ll take my leave, Mr. Argent.”
Kieran remained silent. Reyna retreated from the office on instinct.
Deathly silence reclaimed the room.
Though identical to countless past scenes, inexplicable irritation clawed at Kieran.
Frowning, he yanked his tie loose, undid his top shirt button one-handed, and dialed Alarieka Huston with the other.
While waiting, he rubbed his temples wearily.
Half a minute. No answer. A full minute. The call disconnected automatically.
Kieran’s brow furrowed deeper. His finger moved, redialing.
On Alarieka’s end, her phone was nearly overwhelmed–calls from the school, Paloma Wyatt, Reyna Wright, and others flooded in.
She ignored all except the school’s number.
The connection sparked an explosion: “Alarieka Huston! What did you post? Delete it immediately! Post the apology draft we gave you. Claim your account was hacked. That’s the only acceptable version!”
Alarieka stayed silent for a beat. “Unsatisfied?”
“… What did you say? We agreed you’d post our drafted apology! Why backtrack? Is this your attitude? Do you want expulsion?”
Alarieka replied: “Then expel me.”
“…Alarieka, do you comprehend your words?”
“I agreed to post a statement. Not yours. By cutting ties and taking full blame, you should be satisfied–isn’t that your goal? I accept expulsion. Once expelled, I’m no longer the school’s concern. My actions become mine alone. Surely you’ll cease your condemnation.”
Alarieka wasn’t being sarcastic; she was speaking her mind.