Chapter 428

• Alora’s heart pounded as she met the doubtful gazes of those around her. Guilt flickered in her eyes, but she forced herself to remain composed.
• “Henry… I-I would never do something like this,” she stammered, her voice laced with sincerity. “You know me well. Why would I ever try to frame Liza? Yes, we’ve had our differences, but I would never go so far as to harm her. Besides, this whole situation has affected the entire competition—I wouldn’t have done anything to make matters worse.”
• She took a shaky breath, as if trying to hold back tears. “It’s just that… when I was speaking with Mr. Nolan, I casually mentioned the misunderstandings between me and Liza. I wasn’t trying to cause trouble—I was just venting. I never imagined that Mr. Nolan would take it so seriously and do something like this. I had no idea what he was planning!”