?<strong>Chapter 1381:</strong>


    Celeste mmed her hand on the table, a cold smile spreading across her face.


    “Do you need evidence before you’ll face reality?”


    A ripple of whispers swept through the room, quickly escting into a dramatic scene. The host, beads of sweat on his brow, stood on stage, clearly at a loss for how to handle the mounting chaos.


    Elyse nodded and responded, “Then speak the truth. I’m eager to know. What evidence do you have that I rigged my way to the top?”


    The air crackled with tension as Elyse and Celeste locked eyes. In the corner, Krista shrank deeper into her chair, her head lowered, too apprehensive to look up.


    Suddenly, a distinct voice cut through the silence.


    “I am the evidence.”


    Nick walked onto the stage, seemingly indifferent to the multitude of stares fixed on him. His calm, clear voice rang out, filling the hall.


    “Your cheating ended mypetition prematurely. Whatpensation could you possibly offer for my loss?”


    Elyse looked at him, confusion clouding her features. Nick in the Swan Cup? She searched her memory but couldn’t ce him.


    Noticing her puzzled look, Nick pressed on.


    “Why the silence? Feeling guilty?”


    Elyse took a moment to measure her words.


    “I didn’t know youpeted in the Swan Cup. I’ve never seen you there.”


    A sneer curled on Nick’s lips.


    “No surprise there. A despicable woman like you wouldn’t care whose chances were ruined by your actions.”


    Elyse pressed her lips together, opting to remain silent.


    At that moment, the production team sprang into action, rushing onto the stage. Nick allowed the crew to guide him offstage, preparing for the remainder of the show. Unmoved, Celeste announced her refusal to score, dering she would not grant points to a contestant whocked integrity.


    Although Elyse lost Celeste’s score, it mattered little in the end. Captivated by her performance, the audience and other judges awarded her high marks, ensuring her victory.


    However, Elyse knew the broadcast would thrust her into intense public scrutiny. The thought of the uing online storm gave her a headache. She decided to immerse herself in work for the next few days before finally returning home to unwind.


    She asked Jayden to investigate Nick, and he informed her that it would take some time. Elyse braced herself for the wait.


    While Elyse was practicing her violin, her phone rang. It was Pearce.


    “Could you join us for dinner tonight? Grandma has been asking about you constantly.” Pearce’s voice carried a note of exhaustion. Elyse paused, her feelings about Felicia still mixed.


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