Chapter 1421
Westley could only stare blankly, his mind racing. When Kimberly begged again, he turned to Gia, panic seeping into his words. “Mom, help us! Do something, please!”
There was nothing Gia could say to fix this mess, but true to form, her first instinct was to boss Leonel around. “Leonel! You must make Adah apologize to Rowena! Make Adah announce to everyone that she lied and tried to ruin Rowena’s name!”
But Leonel didn’t even react. Gone was the man who once bowed to Gia’s every demand. Now, no matter how loudly she screamed, he ignored her completely.
Back on stage, Adah calmly addressed the host. “Would you say this evidence is enough?”
Before the host could respond, a man in a sharp black suit strode onto the stage, exuding authority. Everyone instantly recognized him: Tristan Crawford, the chief organizer.
Tristan spoke without hesitation, his voice ringing out for all to hear. “We have thoroughly investigated and confirmed that Rowena bribed two judges ahead of the competition. On behalf of the organizers, I am pleased to deliver the verdict. The two judges are dismissed immediately, all ties are cut, and they will never officiate again. Legal action may follow for the damage they’ve done to the competition’s reputation!”
A squad of security guards stepped up and escorted the two disgraced judges away in front of the stunned audience.
For years, those two judges had clawed their way to the top, enjoying the kind of reputation that made them honored guests anywhere dancers gathered. Yet here they were, flung out in disgrace before millions of witnesses, their shining careers shattered in an instant.
What a sorry end. But really, what else could they expect after throwing in with Rowena’s crooked plans?
The entire venue trembled with shock. Even online viewers were stunned into silence, needing a moment to process the chaos before every eye landed on Rowena.
Still sprawled on the stage where Adah had knocked her down, Rowena sat frozen in disbelief, unable to process her downfall.
Tristan’s commanding voice sliced through the confusion. “By scheming for fame, Rowena has trampled the core values of the Ublento Dance Competition. Regardless of her performance, we cannot condone her actions. Her award is revoked, and she is barred for life from all future competitions!”
Your storytelling begins at g α? ησ ν s, com
Security strode onstage and hauled Rowena to her feet, ready to remove her.
One moment, Rowena sparkled like a rising star; the next, she was branded a cheater and dragged away in disgrace. She could barely comprehend what was happening, and neither could Kimberly and the rest in the audience.
Before security could lead Rowena away, Kimberly’s panicked shriek echoed through the hall. “Stop! Don’t throw her away like this! She’s a once-in-a-lifetime talent! Can’t you show her any mercy?”
“Exactly! My daughter’s a genius! If you revoke her eligibility, you’re the ones losing out!” Westley shouted, his voice booming with exaggerated pride. He tugged nervously at Gia’s sleeve, lacking the courage to stand firm on his own. “Mom, say something! You can’t just watch them ruin everything she’s worked for!”
But Gia had already been exposed by the video evidence, caught helping Rowena arrange the bribes. Shame pressed down on her, making it impossible to defend her granddaughter. Still, with Westley’s pleading, she blurted out the only protest she could muster. “Kick her out if you must, but you can’t erase her brilliance! Moonlight Shadow is still a legendary work!”
.
.
.