The two compromised judges instantly tensed, their faces clouding with anxiety as they tried to regain control.

“You can’t make wild accusations! Since the very beginning, the Ublento Dance Competition has maintained strict oversight, with every result audited. What you’re suggesting is out of the question!”

“Precisely! Winning the title doesn’t give you free rein to create scandals or seek attention in this shameless way. If you keep this up, you could lose your championship and be blacklisted from the dance world for good!”

A heavy tension swept through the hall. The crowd looked around in confusion, trying to piece together what was happening.

Acting swiftly, the host addressed Adah with a warning. “We take defamation very seriously at the Ublento Dance Competition. Please choose your words wisely. Without proof, your claims could have serious legal consequences.”

Adah didn’t flinch, a sly edge to her voice as she looked at the two judges. “You two seem rather agitated. Could it be you’re hiding something?”

“You!” The two judges sputtered, their words dissolving into a mess of frustration and panic.

With a calm glance at Rowena, Adah continued, “I never actually said it was you who bribed the judges. So, why are you so nervous?”

Rowena was caught completely off guard, realizing too late that Adah had trapped her. She fumbled for words, desperate to recover. “I’m just thinking of you! Don’t let this win go to your head. If you keep this up, you could end up with a lawsuit!”

Adah let out a quiet laugh and then faced the host again. “I’ll repeat my question. What is the official response if a contestant bribes the judges before the competition?”

The host, keeping his composure, began reciting the rules in a level tone. “If any contestant is found guilty of bribing judges, their ranking will be revoked, and they will be banned from all future competitions without exception. Judges caught accepting bribes are permanently removed from the panel and prohibited from serving at any future events. For severe breaches, the organizers may also initiate legal proceedings against everyone involved.”

“Excellent,” Adah said, raising her hand and gesturing toward the enormous screen behind her. “Let’s all take a look.”

Read the rest on gl nov els.?

At that moment, the screen blazed to life, displaying undeniable proof: Rowena’s bank transfers and clear financial records showing payments to the two judges.

Elliana had helped Adah compile every shred of evidence needed, everything from transaction logs to surveillance footage, leaving no gaps in the story.

The crowd rippled with shocked gasps as the truth played out for all to see.

The two guilty judges went rigid, their faces drained of all color. They could not fathom why their discreet deal had been laid bare with such clarity.

Of course, they had no idea who they were dealing with. Once Thorn Rose’s leader decided to dig up dirt, uncovering the truth was all too easy.

Consumed by fury, Rowena lost all control, lunging at Adah with wild, clawed hands. “You witch! I’ll tear you apart!”

Unfazed, Adah met Rowena’s attack with a swift, forceful kick, sending the latter crashing down in front of everyone.

Meanwhile, Kimberly was a bundle of nerves in the crowd, shaking Westley’s arm and whispering frantically, “What now? What can we do? Think of something—quick!”

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