Chapter 182
Sharon’s eyes narrowed slightly. “The one who lost… was Theo?”
“That’s right,” Nate said confidently. “You only beat them by 0.1 points. That difference? It came down to Theo versus Matty. So technically, Kelly didn’t really lose.”
In that moment, everything clicked for Sharon.
“So, you’re planning to back out of the bet?”
Her voice was calm, steady-like she’d seen this kind of thing too many times to be surprised anymore.
Watching her, Carter felt a strange pang in his chest. And for the first time, he truly saw it-just how shameless Nate could be. 1
Nate scoffed, trying to justify himself. “Back out? What are you even saying? Kelly didn’t really lose. Didn’t the judges say it themselves? That 0.1-point difference was because of Theo.”
Trying to bury his own guilt, he raised his voice. “Seriously, what’s there to brag about in beating a five-year-old? And not just any five-year-old-your own son! If you’re really proud of that, sure, go ahead-tell the world you beat your kid. No one’s stopping you.”
Sharon scanned the room. “Is that how all of you feel?”
Denise looked away, clearly uncomfortable.
Madeline turned her face to the side, cold and silent.
Theo looked down, guilt written all over his face. “It was me. I lost,” he mumbled. 1
Kelly kept her head lowered and said nothing. She didn’t challenge a single word Nate had said.
As for Carter… Sharon didn’t even glance at him. He didn’t count as a person.
Nate’s face was smug. “See? Everyone agrees.”
Sharon let out a soft chuckle. “Nate, it seems to me this isn’t about standing up for Kelly. You just don’t want to keep your end of
the deal.”
Nate’s expression shifted.
Everyone except Kelly turned to look at him, shocked. Clearly, no one else had known about the bet.
Panicked, Nate snapped, “What are you talking about?!”
Just as he was about to deny it, Sharon casually took out her phone and played a recording.
Nate’s face twisted in frustration as he tried to wriggle out of it.
“You didn’t even beat Kelly. The bet doesn’t count!”
Just then, the lounge door swung open again. Wendy stepped inside, leading a group of people in with her.
“How utterly disgraceful,” she said, glaring at Nate with open contempt. “Everyone saw you make that bet. And now you’re pretending it didn’t happen?”
Xavier chimed in, his voice cool and razor-sharp. “A man’s word is supposed to mean something. Once it’s said, it shouldn’t be taken back. And now you’re blaming a child? Doesn’t that embarrass you?”
He glanced at Theo, whose face was full of regret-but who had never once tried to make excuses for himself.
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Chapter 182
+25 BONUS
Xavier shook his head. “You’re an adult, yet you carry yourself with less integrity than a five-year-old. That’s pathetic.”
The crowd now gathering at the door watched with clear disdain.
Sharon came from humble beginnings. That was something people could criticize.
But going back on your word? That was a different matter entirely.
Who would trust someone-or a company-that couldn’t keep a promise?
One moment you’re agreeing, the next you’re backing out. That kind of person was dangerous to deal with.
Sharon shifted her gaze to the judges standing behind Wendy, then looked at Kelly.
“Kelly, if you feel the result wasn’t fair, or that Theo held you back, we can do it again.”
She paused, her expression softening into a slight smile.
“I’ve got nothing planned today. If you want to compete again-and again-I’ll be right here.” 1
Kelly immediately picked up on the meaning behind her tone.
What Sharon was really saying was simple: No matter how many times you try, you still won’t beat me.
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