A Surprising Twist of Fates (Sierra and Theo) novel Chapter 228

Madison couldn't help but sigh dramatically. "Damn, Mr. Gray is kinda romantic when he's in love."

Sierra, already flustered, shot her an exasperated glare. "Stop making things up."

"Alright, my bad. You two take your time and talk." Madison grinned mischievously before darting into her room, phone in hand.

Sierra carried the bouquet over to find a vase. "Come in and have a seat," she said softly.

Theo took off his coat, his gaze never leaving her. He watched as she carefully arranged the sunflowers, his sharp eyes softening.

"I take it you saw what's happening online," he mentioned.

Sierra's smile faltered slightly. She nodded. "Yeah."

Theo stepped closer, his fingers instinctively reaching out to brush against the top of her head. "Don't worry. I'll take care of it."

Feeling the warmth of his touch, Sierra's body tensed slightly. She lifted her head quickly. "How?"

When he didn't answer, she already knew—buying bots to suppress the controversy and paying off organizers to guarantee her spot in the finals among others.

She didn't want that. She refused to be seen as someone who needed an unfair advantage.

"I want the competition to be live-streamed," she said firmly. "Let everyone—judges and the public—witness the competition in real-time."

The door slammed open. A panicked Madison turned to Sierra, disagreeing, "Your shoulder isn't even healed yet! What if you can't finish the performance?!"

She didn't even want to say the words, but the truth was brutal.

"People online won't care about why you are struggling. They'd just presume that you lack the skill. As of now, they are already questioning you, and you'd only prove them right if you mess up during the competition.

"At that point, they'll label you as talentless and just another person who got in through connections or favoritism."