?<strong>Chapter 437:</strong>


    The judge fixed his gaze on Darren and inquired, “Are you questioning the authenticity and fairness of thispetition?”


    Darren nodded. “Yes, I believe there’s someone else who truly deserves to be here on this stage.”


    After his response, he nced at Elyse, feelingpelled to seek justice for her.


    “Are you referring to the contestant named Elyse Lloyd?” the judge pressed.


    Darren nodded again.


    The judge picked up another document, briefly reviewed it, and announced, “Elyse’s performance was wless. She is, without a doubt, the rightful winner.”


    Vicky, who stood in the first-ce position, was momentarily stunned. Her expression then shifted to one of cold disbelief. If Elyse was dered the winner, she would be relegated to second ce.


    The judge set down the document. “However, it appears this ranking was achieved through dishonest means. It’s regrettable, but we must disqualify her for viting the principles of fairpetition.”


    “What? This is absolutely impossible!” Gavin erupted, rising swiftly with an air of authority that enveloped him.


    Irving stood and followed Gavin toward the judge’s panel. Unable to remain seated, Elyse rose as well. She had neither cheated nor bribed any judge for thepetition.


    With urgency, she approached the stage. “I demand a full investigation. I did not engage in any wrongdoing, and I categorically deny any usations of cheating!”


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    The judge’s frown deepened, a look of displeasure crossing his features. “Initially, I was inclined to protect your reputation. However, you seem ungrateful for my discretion. Present the evidence of her bribery!”


    A staff member promptly handed a photograph to Elyse.


    Elyse gasped upon seeing the photo. Wasn’t this the man she had identally encountered outside the restroom earlier? The photo depicted her handing a note to the man, suggesting a ndestine exchange.


    After examining the photo, Elyse protested, “I don’t know this man. We simply bumped into each other outside the restroom, and I helped him pick up something he dropped.”


    With a stern expression, the judge dered, “He has confessed to everything. He ims you approached him to bribe him. Bring him here! Let’s see if you can maintain your denial with him present.”


    When the man was brought in, Elyse crossed her arms and asked coldly, “You im I bribed you, right? Then, show the evidence of our private conversation. And if I bribed you, what benefits did you receive? How much?”


    The man, visibly unsettled by Elyse’s direct questioning, instinctively looked toward Rebekah on the stage, but she averted her eyes.


    He hesitated before responding, “You contacted me. I don’t have any proof, but I’m sure it was you!”


    Elyse, seeing the man’s determination to implicate her, lost her patience. She addressed the judge, “He can’t produce any solid evidence. A single photo isn’t sufficient. I reject the results of thispetition.”


    The judge’s panel descended into chaos. Without concrete evidence from the man, they couldn’t conclusively prove Elyse had cheated.


    Gavin stepped forward and addressed the panel. “I demand a reevaluation of thepetition results. Elyse is an apprentice under my instructor. It’s absurd to suspect her of cheating.”


    The man scoffed loudly. “And who is your instructor that his apprentice should be above suspicion?”


    Gavin replied calmly, “Cody Tucker. Do you really think a disciple of his would stoop to cheating? How absurd.”


    Upon hearing Cody’s name, the man fell silent and turned his pleading gaze back to Rebekah.


    Rebekah, however, continued to ignore him.


    Irving, catching this interaction, jumped onto the stage and confronted Rebekah, “You’re the real cheater, aren’t you? He can’t take his eyes off you. Won’t you help him? If you don’t, he might be cklisted from the industry.”


    Rebekah shook her head. “Bullshit! I don’t even know him. Why are you using me? This is absurd.”


    Panicking, the man blurted out, “Didn’t you promise to be my friend if I helped you frame her? I helped you reach the semifinal, and this is how you repay me?”


    Rebekah clenched her teeth, frustrated by his foolish admission. Why confess their scheme now?


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