Chapter 261

“Good,” Tamika said, slightly mollified. “When can you leave the hospital? With the exams coming, you can’t afford to miss school. Your grades are excellent. Don’t let this setback ruin things.”

Alaricka said, “The doctor said I need to stay a few more days for observation. If everything’s fine, I can leave next week. I won’t fall behind on my studies—I can work right here in the hospital.”

She tilted her chin toward the backpack at the foot of the bed. “See? Mr. Argent already had someone bring my bag and materials over.”

Alarieka had to admit, Kieran had done exactly what she wanted.

She’d been preparing for the Mcintosh Piano Competition these past days, neglecting her studies. Now, with this hospital downtime, she could catch up.

Kieran pulled a workbook from her bag, flipping through it casually. “She’s got a fractured ankle. I’ll hire a caregiver.”

Tamika’s eyes lit up. “That’s perfect-”

“I said I don’t need it,” Alarieka cut Kieran off sharply.

Alarieka shot Tamika a look.

Tamika nodded reluctantly. “No need then. I’ll take care of her. Wouldn’t want to trouble Mr. Argent.”

Kieran snapped the workbook shut, his dark eyes unreadable. “No trouble. I’ve said my piece—a new aide comes tomorrow.”

Alaricka frowned, watching Kieran return the book to her bag.

She asked, “Kieran, did you come here just for this?”

Her eyes locked onto his face, scanning every flicker of expression.

Kieran’s gaze turned heavy, his voice low and resonant. “I’ve said all that needs saying. You haven’t forgotten, have you?”

Alarieka remembered Kieran’s words perfectly.

He’d said: This ends here.

But that was impossible.

So Alarieka replied, “Since we’re done talking, please leave, Mr. Argent. I need rest.”

Kieran left.

Tamika hovered anxiously nearby. “What was that about? I didn’t understand.”

Alarieka shook her head. “Nothing to worry about.”

This involved Rose and Kieran. Tamika would only fret needlessly. Better she knew nothing than lived in fear.

Tamika studied her daughter’s face, voice rising. “You’re my child—you think I don’t know you? You’re hiding things again. Grown up now, wings spread wide—too proud to mind your mother!”

Alarieka sighed. “Mom, really, it’s nothing. Don’t overthink.”

“Nothing? Then why are you lying here?”

Alaricka rubbed her temples, yanked the covers up, and buried herself beneath them.

Her tone brooked no argument. “Mom, drop it.”

Tamika patted the quilt lightly. “Stubborn girl!”

“Fine, keep your secrets,” Tamika relented. “I’ll buy some fruit.”

After Tamika left, Alarieka grabbed her phone to check online chatter about Lindsey Weaver and Rose.

As Alarieka expected, the Mcintosh Piano Competition hashtag showed zero discussion about Lindsey Weaver or Roschelle Whitaker. Instead, it overflowed with Rose’s fans gushing over her final performance and appearance.

The hashtag featured stunning photos of Rose, each frame capturing her divine beauty.

Clueless bystanders asking about the finals got vague replies from Rose’s supporters.

Everything seemed picture-perfect.

Alarieka tweaked her search terms until she finally uncovered sparse discussions about the Lindsey–Rose incident.

Just a handful of posts questioned the competition’s outcome or Rose’s alleged plagiarism—pure internet bystanders.

Alarieka pocketed her phone.

Mr. Argent intervened.

She wasn’t surprised. She’d witnessed these tactics in her past life.

Like she’d said before, even knowing Rose’s misdeeds, Kieran had always shielded her, cleaning up her messes and propelling her to the pinnacle of the piano world.

But could they truly silence everyone?

Alarieka recalled comparing Rose’s follower counts—the numbers had dropped.

She’d anticipated this. Most finals attendees were Rose’s fans, making it the perfect moment to expose the truth.

Even loyal supporters would reevaluate Rose, some abandoning her entirely.

Besides, Rose’s flimsy excuses couldn’t hold water.