Chapter 638

“Due to allegations of misconduct and other violations, Isabella Austin’s competition results are hereby temporarily annulled, and her eligibility as a contestant is revoked pending further investigation. Should the final inquiry uphold these findings, her results will be permanently voided, she will be expelled from the competition, and a formal notice will be issued through our official media channels.”
The words struck Isabella like a bolt of lightning. She stood rooted to the spot, stunned and unable to react.
The head judge continued, “With Isabella Austin’s results suspended, the remaining contestants will each move up one rank. Now, I will announce the revised standings.”
“First place: Emily Blair
Though the results were provisional and would still require confirmation from higher authorities, everyone familiar with the rules knew this was as good as final. The review process was just a formality; the outcome was unlikely to change.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the crowd.
The contestant who had previously been ranked eleventh couldn’t contain her excitement, cheering aloud as she realized she’d moved up a spot.
All around, people exchanged nervous glances, too wary to say a word, most not even daring to look in Isabella’s direction.
The event was sponsored by international investors who had no reason to care whose wife Isabella Austin was. They showed her no deference, choosing instead to broadcast the decision publicly and without hesitation.
Isabella’s face drained of color as she stepped forward, her voice trembling.
“There’s been a mistake-this is all a misunderstanding! I didn’t do anything wrong. I can prove my innocence!”
Mr. Parker descended from the judges’ platform and faced her, disappointment etched deep into his features.
“Ms. Austin, the evidence is irrefutable. There’s nothing more to say.” His tone was clipped, his lips pressed into a thin line as he shook his head. “You’ve let me down —not just with this competition, but also with what’s happened between you and Ms. Blair. Ms. Blair has already sent all the relevant evidence to my phone.”
He paused, then continued coldly, “You’re intelligent, Ms. Austin, but you’ve put your talents to the wrong use. As for the lead role in the new film, you’re no longer being considered.”
Isabella’s eyes widened. “No-please, Mr. Parker, let me explain. Someone set me up—”
But Mr. Parker turned away, joining the other judges as they disappeared backstage, leaving her standing alone.
Isabella felt utterly exposed, like a rat dragged from the shadows into the blinding sunlight, forced to endure the open scorn and contempt of the crowd.
“She actually hired someone to do the work for her? I always thought she was that talented. Makes you wonder if she’s cheated before.”
“Who knows? At least this time she did. I mean, she’s Mrs. Lane-rich and powerful. Some people just get away with things, you know? It’s not exactly a surprise
“I thought she was supposed to have a world tour after this. If this scandal gets out, how will she ever go through with it?”
Isabella slowly lifted her gaze.
Standing directly opposite her was Emily Blair, arms crossed and looking perfectly at ease, as though none of this had anything to do with her.
It was all Emily Blair’s doing.
A wave of fury surged in Isabella’s chest. She wanted nothing more than to tear the smug look right off Emily Blair’s face.
She spun around, turning her back to the crowd, and squeezed her eyes shut.
No. She couldn’t lose control. She had to keep her cool-there was still a chance to turn things around.
The crowd was right about one thing: she was Mrs. Lane. There was no way she was going to let something like this bring her down.
She needed someone to help her.
There had to be someone.
She couldn’t go to Andrew Lane he could never find out about any of this.
And Alex White was still overseas, with no way to get back in time to handle the fallout.
Who else was left?
Suddenly, a name popped into her mind.
Benjamin Gomez-the man who’d been flooding her phone with messages ever since she’d returned to the country. Every text was a declaration of longing and affection, bordering on obsessive, like he just couldn’t let her go.