From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace novel Chapter 128

Adolphus held Laurinda’s hand, his voice warm and teasing. “You really think Cabinda can handle the drama if you post that photo?”

Laurinda shrugged. “Let Cabinda explode. I only care about getting her kicked off the judging panel. I’ve never used my influence to mess with competitions, but I’m not about to let anyone bully my brother.”

“I told Jasper I wouldn’t get directly involved today. That doesn’t mean I’ll just sit back and do nothing, though. Besides, isn’t Galen about to take action too? Consider this my little gift to him.”

Without another word, Laurinda sent the edited photos and the write-up out through a backchannel on the dark web.

She scrolled through online trends, watching as the controversy about the judges started to blow up. With her latest leak about the judge’s chaotic private life, it wouldn’t even take until nightfall for Aileen to be pushed to the edge.

Trying to clear the way for her daughter? Laurinda would show her that she was actually the biggest obstacle in her own child’s life.

***

The competition wrapped up two hours later. Jasper’s results were untouched by Aileen’s interference. He still held a commanding lead.

Since Jasper performed early and absolutely nailed it, everyone who followed looked underwhelming in comparison. Even with Aileen sabotaging scores and trying to bribe her way through the judging, her daughter Aggie still scored much lower than Jasper. Aggie only made it to sixth place—she didn’t even beat the very first contestant.

Aggie couldn’t handle losing and broke down in tears right on stage. Aileen rushed over to comfort her, visibly upset.

Just as Aileen was about to argue for her daughter to at least get a spot in the next round, her own voice suddenly blasted through the venue’s speakers.

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