Chapter 303

Evelyn Roland's slender fingers gently sealed the sample bottle, her lips curving into a faint smile.

"You misunderstand. We simply wish to minimize the losses caused by the competition's suspension. Any reasonable request will be considered."

Her composed demeanor made Ross Macmillan feel like he was punching cotton.

"You—"

"Two consecutive incidents at the wine tasting championships have severely disrupted my work. What I need now is an explanation, not material compensation!"

Ross suddenly raised his voice. "If I accept your compensation, tomorrow the media will hound me about being bribed, won't they? Just yesterday, I thought you were meticulous. Who knew you were this scheming?"

Scheming?

Evelyn nearly laughed coldly.

Yesterday, he praised the hotel's service for its sophistication. Today, he accused her of being manipulative?

His flip-flopping was truly breathtaking.

She took a deep breath, maintaining her professional smile.

"Since compensation isn't necessary, we'll respect your choice. Once the truth is uncovered, you'll receive a satisfactory resolution."

"No!"

Ross lifted his chin arrogantly, looking down at her.

"With accidents happening repeatedly, you, as the overseer, are undeniably responsible. Both incidents involved you. You must be held accountable!"

Evelyn's sharp instincts caught the implication in his words. She waited silently.

"You will issue a public apology to all contestants and judges!"

"Public apology?"

Her delicate brows furrowed, her elegant features turning icy.

"Yes. A simple matter." Ross waved a dismissive hand.

A glint of steel flashed in Evelyn's eyes.

"I refuse."

"You dare refuse?" Ross gaped, incredulous.

"Demanding an apology before the truth is uncovered is tantamount to shielding the real culprit and pinning the blame entirely on me."

She paused, meeting his gaze squarely.

"Are you trying to make me the scapegoat? Do I look easy to bully?"

"You—"

Caught off guard, Ross flushed crimson.

Nearby judges and contestants who hadn't dispersed yet stopped to watch.

Everyone understood—even without a public apology, with two consecutive incidents tied to Evelyn, she wouldn't escape scrutiny.

Just as Ross was about to explode, the banquet hall doors suddenly swung open.

A squad of armed soldiers marched in, rifles at the ready. The room erupted into chaos.

At their forefront strode a stern-faced officer with commanding presence.

"G-General Roland?"

Ross's expression shifted from shock to fawning so fast it was almost comical.