Chapter 44:
Makenna’s POV:
Since I stood my ground, Kristina seemed even more irritated.
With her lips pursed, she crossed her arms and declared confidently, “I haven’t done anything wrong. What do I have to fear?”
Following Bryan’s instructions, and with Kristina’s consent, Hayley wiped her sweat and directed her team to inspect the equipment.
Shortly after, the person in charge of the equipment hurried over. After examining the rope, he reported to Bryan with respect, “Your Highness, the rope failed because it was old. It hasn’t been properly maintained in quite some time.”
I was skeptical of this explanation and felt frustrated.
How could it be such a ludicrous reason?
Even the other sections of the safety rope were intact, except for the one that had snapped. Clearly, this was done intentionally.
Despite my suspicions, the inspector had delivered his opinion. Arguing against it seemed pointless.
I glanced at Kristina, who smirked victoriously at me. She taunted, “You’re thinking too much. Who would waste their effort on a mere sex slave?”
However, her demeanor only deepened my suspicion that she had bribed the inspector.
Regrettably, I lacked proof. Moreover, my low status left me powerless to pursue the matter further.
I clenched my fists, silently vowing to find justice someday.
Just when it seemed everything was settled, Bryan let out a sly chuckle.
Raising an eyebrow, he looked at me and then slowly said to the staff, “If it’s truly due to old equipment, then every staff member here, including you, Hayley, must be punished.”
Hayley and the workers instantly panicked.
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In almost no time, they fell to their knees before Bryan. Shaking, they pleaded, “Your Highness…”
Bryan waved his hand impatiently and warned with a cold tone, “One more word and I’ll double your punishment.”
Hayley and the rest fell silent. They felt like crying but were unable to let the tears out. Despair was evident on their faces.
Kristina, on the other hand, seemed even more pleased with herself. She shot me a challenging look as if to say, “I did it. What are you going to do about it?”
I quietly looked down.
It didn’t matter. I was confident that I’d have many opportunities to outsmart her in the future.
Then, unexpectedly, a woman inquired, “What about today’s competition? Who won?”
“Neither reached the top. Obviously, there is no winner,” Kristina quickly declared the outcome of the competition before Bryan could speak.
While I generally disliked Kristina, I couldn’t help but feel relieved by her announcement. Earlier, I had intentionally avoided reaching the top because I had no desire to spend the night with Bryan.
I didn’t want to win or lose. Therefore, giving up on the competition seemed like the wisest choice.
Kristina’s announcement also brought relief to Alice. She relaxed and, catching my gaze, glared at me.
However, Bryan let out a mocking sneer. His voice was thick with anger.
“I haven’t declared the winner yet. Who gave you the authority to decide for me?”
His words cast a hush over the scene. No one dared to make a sound.
A sense of unease washed over me. I had a feeling that this issue was far from over.
He seemed to notice my uneasy expression. He raised his eyebrows and flashed a smile in my direction. I shivered and quickly looked away, feeling panicked.
“Alice lagged earlier and didn’t make it to the top. Clearly, she’s out. Makenna is the winner,” Bryan stated slowly.
His stare bored into me like a viper’s, intense and unsettling. True to my fears, he announced the very result I least wanted to hear.
