Chapter 262

While a few aggressive fans had defended her initially, most stayed silent, grappling with the idea that their long-admired idol might be a plagiarist. If Rose wanted them back, she’d have to address this head-on.

The next morning, Alarieka found the new housekeeper Mr. Argent had hired. She dismissed the woman, but the housekeeper wordlessly collected yesterday’s lunchbox, replaced it with a fresh one, and laid out a nutritious breakfast on the nightstand. The aroma drifted upward.

Alarieka: …

“Ms. Huston,” the housekeeper smiled, “since moving’s difficult, I brought your basin and toothbrush. Freshen up right here.”

She presented a water-filled basin, cup, and toothpaste-loaded brush.

Alarieka scanned the room, craning her neck toward the private bathroom.

“Looking for Ms. Yan?” the housekeeper murmured.

Alarieka gave a noncommittal glance.

“She stepped out briefly,” the housekeeper said, extending the cup and brush. “Please freshen up first. Breakfast is best warm.”

This time, Alarieka didn’t refuse. She knew Kieran was hell-bent on assigning her this caretaker.

Chapter 263

After washing up and having breakfast, it was nine o’clock – the exact time for announcing the Mcintosh Piano Competition final results. Due to health reasons, she couldn’t attend in person, so Paloma notified her of the final rankings.

Rose took first place. Surprisingly, she placed second.

Paloma messaged her: “Honestly, I didn’t expect this either. The other judges and I scored fairly – no strings pulled. After removing the highest and lowest scores, you trailed Rose by just 0.3 points.”

Paloma added: “Had this incident not occurred, you might’ve won the championship.”

Alarieka considered this result an unexpected blessing.

Alarieka replied: “Got it. Thank you, teachers.”

Much later, Paloma unexpectedly video-called her.

Confused, Alarieka answered: “Teacher? Is something wrong?”

Background noise muffled Paloma’s soft voice, yet Alarieka heard her clearly. The camera wobbled, initially pointing away before slowly tilting up to focus on the stage.

“You should hear what Rose has to say.”

The blurred video gradually sharpened, revealing Rose standing center stage in a flowing white gown. Her soft makeup and gentle eyes held no hostility – only a hint of vulnerability.

She clutched the golden championship trophy from the Mcintosh Piano Competition in one hand and an honorary certificate in the other, a microphone held steady. Rose’s voice trembled delicately, evoking instinctive sympathy.

“To our audience, I owe you an apology for yesterday’s events,” Rose bowed deeply, “I’ve disappointed my supporters and fans.”

Rising slowly, she spoke deliberately.

“Regarding Lindsey Weaver, ‘Yearning Sonata,’ and ‘Love’s Affection’ – I owe everyone an explanation.”

“I admit: to boost Lindsey’s visibility and hype ‘Yearning Sonata,’ I plagiarized it to create ‘Love’s Affection.’ While this did make Lindsey widely known, my plagiarism remains undeniable. I won’t justify it.”

“For my actions, I sincerely apologize – to all of you, and to the late Lindsey Weaver.”

A faint smile touched Rose’s lips, her eyes reflecting contentment mixed with grievance.

“I now entrust my judgment to you – the audience and my fans. Whatever consequences you decide, I’ll accept them unconditionally.”

Alarieka sensed Rose wouldn’t stop at such superficial statements.

Sure enough, Rose gazed at her golden trophy – a slender woman raising a torch skyward. Thanks to Kieran’s sponsorship, its surface gleamed with real gold overlay atop pure silver, unlike the runner-up’s solid silver or the third-place bronze award.

Roschelle Whitaker held out the trophy and said softly, “Thank you to the organizers and judges of the Mcintosh Piano Competition for awarding me the championship trophy, but I don’t deserve it. I’m not worthy of this trophy. I’ve decided to withdraw from the competition and return it to another contestant.”

“That is, Alarieka Huston.”

The audience fell silent.