Chapter 153

Chapter 153:

The simple words caused an uproar.

“Is there any proof?” one of the judges inquired earnestly, not willing to take Evie’s word alone.

“Yes, I have proof that I wrote it.” Evie signaled for someone to fetch her manuscript.

The judges remained silent for a while upon seeing it.

“Your manuscript could be faked. Isn’t there a digital version?” one of them asked.

“Yes, I’ve shared the document with a friend,” Evie said confidently. She then pulled out her phone and presented the chat log to the judges.

At that moment, Giana’s assistant arrived.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Evie has copied Giana’s creation. Here is the proof. Please verify it. Giana wrote the song a week earlier, yet Evie stole it.” Giana’s assistant stared accusingly at Evie.

Both parties had presented handwritten documents. Giana also claimed to have completed hers a week ago.

The judges were uncertain about whom to trust. They found themselves in a dilemma.

“Isn’t there more conclusive proof?”

Giana’s assistant stepped forward. “Giana has been a renowned singer for years and has established a reputable image. She has no need to steal from a newcomer like Evie. Evie, as an actress, has now entered this singing contest, likely aiming to gain fame. Aware of Giana’s penchant for handwriting songs, she plagiarized Giana’s song. This is crossing a line. Please, grant Giana justice.”

Giana’s assistant’s tone was filled with indignation, likely stirring empathy from any onlooker.

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Evie’s eyes widened in disbelief. Oh, God! She hadn’t anticipated such blatant dishonesty.

“Are you kidding me? This work is mine, okay?” Evie was furious but found herself without immediate proof. Overwhelmed by her emotions, she struggled to articulate her frustration.

The audience also started to argue among themselves.

“Evie must be the thief. Giana mentioned she wrote it a week earlier.”

“I believe Giana has no reason to copy anyone.”

“Clearly, Evie must have stolen Giana’s work. It’s shocking how shameless she is.”

Yet, there were different opinions in the crowd.

“Didn’t Giana underperform compared to Evie in the earlier round? Maybe she couldn’t stand losing to a newcomer and decided to claim Evie’s work.”

“That’s true. Evie did well in the earlier round. She wouldn’t need to steal Giana’s song. Plus, I personally think Evie’s performance is better.”

Giana went onto the stage. She had assumed that after her assistant spoke, everyone would back her. However, she was taken aback by the number of people supporting Evie, even suggesting Evie’s performance was better. Years of built-up pride seemed to dissipate.

Hearing that some considered a newcomer better than her infuriated Giana. But she was prepared with a backup plan.

Giana looked disdainfully at Evie and questioned, “Evie, are you certain you wrote this piece?”

“Yes, I wrote it myself, though I did have some help modifying it.” Evie glared back at Giana. “Giana, your actions are disgraceful.”

“Hah, I’m so unlucky. As everyone knows, I prefer to handwrite songs, which you exploited. The judges must be unsure of what to do.” Giana looked at the judges and continued, “I don’t wish to waste more of your time. I propose that both Evie and I withdraw from the contest. It’s unfortunate, but I’ll have to change this old habit.”

Giana’s proposal left a strong impression on the audience.

“Giana, please don’t withdraw. You’ve been a staple in this industry for years. Evie isn’t even in the same league.”

“Giana, you mustn’t leave. I came specifically to see you compete in the final.”

“I believe Giana should win first place. The competition organizers owe her a solution.”

“I’ve always sensed integrity in Giana. It’s just difficult to prove without evidence.”

As the tide of support turned towards Giana, someone stood to give a statement.

“Giana, don’t withdraw. I can testify that Evie plagiarized Giana’s song.”

This declaration captured everyone’s focus. Evie looked up in astonishment. When she recognized who it was, she was utterly astounded.

It was Erica.

Evie watched in disbelief as Erica approached. With a look of disgust, Erica accused, “Evie, I once thought you were decent. I can’t believe how deceitful you’ve turned out to be. You sneaked out last night to snatch Giana’s draft, didn’t you?”

“What nonsense are you talking about?” Evie responded in shock. “Erica, are you trying to frame me? Why would you do that?”

“Am I framing you? Everything I’ve said is the truth,” Erica retorted with disdain, standing tall and speaking emphatically. “Last night, Evie left her room and didn’t return. She must have stolen Giana’s work and rehearsed it all night.”

Evie had never seen anyone who could lie like that.

“Erica, have you lost your mind? Who was sleeping beside you last night, a ghost?” Evie regained her composure. It clicked for her. “I see. So that’s why Giana ended up with my draft. You must have secretly passed it to her last night. I never imagined you’d stoop so low.”

Erica scoffed and said firmly, “Are you framing me now? Sadly, I’m not scared. Everyone, I assure you I’m telling the truth. Evie has plagiarized Giana’s song.”

With Erica’s testimony, the scales tipped decisively in Giana’s favor.

“Just as I suspected, it was Evie all along. Giana wouldn’t need to plagiarize.”

“Evie is a plagiarist. Maybe she even stole her last song. We need to take action against her.”

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