No one would believe a high-school dropout. No one would risk doubting or crossing Rose for her sake.

After repeated failed attempts, she’d eventually given up and buried the matter.

But Paloma’s words reignited a spark of hope.

She whispered, “Lindsey was my mentor–the one who guided me into this world. She wasn’t some alias Rose used. She was a living, breathing person. Her entire life revolved around the piano. Her skills were exceptional; her compositions were exquisite. Yet she remained obscure, utterly unknown. That obscurity… it destroys people.”

Paloma’s gaze froze.

Alarieka continued, “She took her own life. Before dying, she left behind a self-composed piano piece–‘Aspiration‘–created on June 26, 2021. The video I showed you was filmed on June 27. She died on the 28th.”

Paloma’s brows gradually knitted together.

Alarieka said, “You can hear it too. Lindsey’s ‘Aspiration‘ and Rose’s ‘My Love‘ are nearly identical. To a layman’s ear, they’d sound like the same piece.”

“I’ve checked. Rose released ‘My Love‘ on October 15, 2022.”

Alarieka’s expression hardened. “Ms. Wyatt, Rose plagiarized Lindsey.”

Paloma’s eyes flickered, her frown deepening.

This was within her expectations, but Rose’s defense during the finals had been…

Reading Paloma’s hesitation, Alarieka’s heart sank. She stated bluntly, “I never heard Lindsey had online friends. Rose’s claims are absurd.”

“The Whitaker family has power and resources. Promoting a pianist would’ve been effortless. Why resort to plagiarism to ‘boost Lindsey’s profile‘ and invite scandal?”

“That explanation reeks of a plagiarism cover–up.”

Alarieka spoke with increasing urgency, her voice trembling.

Paloma Wyatt tightened her grip on her hand: “I understand, I believe you. There’s no need to rush.”

“So, is this why you entered the Mcintosh Piano Competition?” Paloma asked.

Alarieka nodded: “Yes, solely for this reason. That’s why I didn’t play my own composition in the finals, but ‘Aspiration‘ instead.”

Only to have Rose stir up trouble in the end, letting the plagiarism accusation fade without resolution.

Worry lines creased Paloma’s brow: “But if Mr. Argent intervenes, it’ll be messy. Even if Rose is proven guilty, he could sway public opinion her way. Then she’d emerge as the loyal friend willing to take risks.”

“My dear, I understand,” Alarieka offered a faint smile. “Knowing just one person believes me makes me happy.”

Paloma sighed: “I once had such high hopes for Rose. Never imagined she’d sink this low. At least I caught it in time, didn’t lose a promising talent like you because of her.”

Paloma reflected.

She’d truly considered Roschelle Whitaker her student, offering guidance and care. Plagiarism was unthinkable – a line no pianist should ever cross.

Rose had crossed it. No point in regrets. Clean break needed.

Thankfully, her sharp eyes hadn’t mistaken fish eyes for pearls.

“This needs careful planning. We can’t move against Rose yet.”

Alarieka nodded: “I understand.”

Paloma patted her hand gently: “Rest well now. I need to finalize scores with the other judges. I’ll visit tomorrow.”

Alarieka said: “Please don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine here.”

Paloma hesitated, then decided Alarieka deserved the truth.

“Alarieka, your final score… it won’t be good. Prepare yourself.”

The–plagiarism scandal had derailed Alarieka’s performance. A high score was impossible.

“Then there’s Roschelle Whitaker.”

Paloma Wyatt paused before continuing. “Regarding Lindsey Weaver’s situation, no conclusion has been reached yet. Therefore, her final competition results won’t be affected. Even if plagiarism is confirmed, the organizers lack authority to revoke her scores since her chosen piano piece for finals wasn’t involved. At most, Roschelle Whitaker would face a competition ban.”

Alarieka’s eyes flickered.

Knowing Rose, that supposedly “original” piano piece for finals was likely someone else’s work too–either plagiarized or purchased at a high price.