MainNovelChapter 1061: Arion's jaw tightened, his voice low but cold.
"Mrs. Herrera, are you suggesting the Morrison family lacks integrity? That we manipulate the truth and control the narrative from the shadows?" Kathleen, unlike Aliza, was not easily shaken. She remained calm and composed as she replied, “That's not what I meant. I'm merely pointing out that while Carrie may be your cousin by blood, you've only known her a few months. Aliza, on the other hand, is my daughter-whom I carried for ten months and raised for decades." She paused, her voice crisp.
"Blood ties are natural, but when it comes to facts, we'd prefer tangible evidence over sentiment and vague claims." Kathleen was no fool. She could see straight through Arion's carefully veiled intentions.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtStill, she was too experienced to call out the Morrison family directly. Accusing them of using their influence to isolate the Herrera family would backfire-and worse, it would only drag Aliza's past scandals into the spotlight. Many in the Music Association, especially those who cfrom humble beginnings or studied under revered mentors, were still unaware of those old misdeeds. There was no need to embarrass herself or her daughter further.
"Arion, sit down," Luca interjected calmly, breaking the tension with a light cough.
He then turned to Kathleen, his tone steady but diplomatic.
"Mrs. Herrera, please rest assured. If Carrie is unable to produce evidence, or if what she presents fails to satisfy the committee, we will request stronger proof. And of course, should it be found that Carrie has done anything improper, I will personally apologize to everyone-on her behalf." Carrie's heart was warmed by Luca's unwavering trust in her. He was staking the Morrison family's reputation to protect her, confident not only in her innocence but in her integrity.
Carrie could have easily chosen to reveal her identity that very day. A public declaration would have forced Aliza into a corner-perhaps even compelled her to confess. But Carrie held back. Because she understood that Aliza was already a universally despised figure in Isonridge. If Carrie pressed the issue, the likely outcwould just be Aliza apologizing and being expelled from the Music Association-nothing too serious, considering that her reputation was already in the gutter.
Aliza clearly understood this as well, which was why she continued to act with reckless arrogance. She had nothing left to lose, which made her bold enough to drag things out, daring others to strike first.
Expulsion would be too lenient. Carrie didn't want Aliza erased quietly—she wanted Aliza's reputation utterly destroyed on a national scale.
Aliza had crossed every line with impunity. Now, Carrie would make sure she never crossed another. This wouldn't be a slap on the wrist. This would be a lesson Aliza would never forget.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmWith other students still awaiting their evaluations, the judges quickly put a stop to Carrie and Aliza's escalating argument. Their results were temporarily suspended, pending further investigation. Carrie would need to present additional evidence to determine whether the work was truly hers-or if plagiarism had occurred.
The matter was tabled for now, but the air buzzed with unresolved tension m
Fearing that stress might harm Carrie and her unborn child, the Morrison ке family quietly escorted her away.
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
