Arrived 222

In this chapter, Estella faces harsh criticism from a reporter who echoes the influencer Jake’s disparaging remarks, questioning her ability and worthiness as a judge and teacher. Despite the verbal attacks and the visible satisfaction of her rival Isabelle, Estella is determined to prove herself. She agrees to perform a piece in the next live broadcast round, knowing that this is her chance to silence her critics and defend her reputation.

Estella’s close friend Selene warns her about the risks, especially given Estella’s injured hand, which has not fully healed and might not withstand a demanding performance. However, Estella is resolute, believing that backing down would only worsen public opinion. Despite Selene’s concerns, Estella insists on going through with the performance, accepting the potential consequences to her health.

As the live stream begins, Estella faces a flood of negative comments, mostly from Jake’s fans and other doubters. Jonathan, watching the stream, quickly realizes Jake is behind the smear campaign and calls Corbin to investigate. Concerned for Estella’s well-being, Jonathan urges her to reconsider, but she insists on proving herself. He agrees to support her and promises to take her to a doctor afterward.

Just before Estella’s performance, Nathaniel arrives and urges her to quit, offering to silence the critics with money. Estella rejects his offer, unwilling to compromise her integrity or risk her career by accepting such help. She firmly tells Nathaniel to stay out of her affairs and focus on his own life, demonstrating her strong will to face the challenges on her own terms.

Chapter 222 Proving Herself

Finished

The reporter pressed in closer. “Ms. Hayes, are you afraid to play because you don’t have the ability? Looks like influencer Jake was right–you’re unworthy of your position. With someone like you, do you really deserve to be a judge, a teacher, to guide children at all?”

Each contemptuous word made Estella’s whole body shake with anger.

Not far away, Isabelle watched with a satisfied curl of her lips.

Her own career and love life were a wreck–why should Estella’s path be smooth? She wanted Estella dragged down into the same mud.

Estella gritted her teeth. “Fine. I’ll prove my ability.”

The reporter blinked, not expecting her to agree. He smiled triumphantly. “Then we’ll wait and see. Ms. Hayes, in the next round of the live broadcast, you’ll perform a piece for us, to prove your talent. Isn’t that right?”

Estella nodded. “Yes.”

Bearing the weight of all those eyes, she walked into the lounge.

Selene had seen the news and called her immediately.

“Estella, I just saw everything. That Jake guy, the trash–talk influencer, he’s the one leading the smear against you. I’d bet money someone paid off those reporters to corner you, push you into a trap. If you actually perform, you’ll be falling for it! Your hand was injured–you can’t handle a high–level piece. You need to find a way out of this, quickly.”

“I’m going to perform,” Estella said firmly. “If I don’t, public opinion will only turn more and more against

me.”

“But your hand!”

“Even if my hand is ruined, I have to play.”

Her hand injury had left her unable to do fine movements. She’d been diligently doing her rehab, but she still hadn’t fully recovered.

Selene couldn’t talk her out of it, so she could only give her support in the end. “If you’ve made up your mind, then go for it. Just… if it turns out you can’t, don’t force yourself.”

Estella nodded. “I understand.”

When the competition started, the livestream filled up with people eager to watch the drama.

Most of them were Jake’s fans, pouring in just to curse at Estella.

Plenty of clueless onlookers joined in, doubting her integrity.

Jonathan happened to be watching the stream. Seeing the torrent of comments, he frowned deeply.

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Chapter 222 Proving Herself

What was going on?

Why were so many people attacking Estella?

He glanced at the name Jake on the screen. That had to be the ringleader behind this smear.

He called Corbin right away and asked him to investigate.

Corbin agreed without hesitation.

As soon as the call ended, Jonathan jumped in his car and headed for the building where Estella was.

On the way, he called her.

Finished:

“Estella, I saw what’s online. Your hand isn’t ready for this–you shouldn’t push yourself. Let me take care of it.”

Estella gripped her phone tight and took a deep breath. “Do you trust me, Mr. Bennett? I can do this performance.”

Jonathan’s breath caught.

He knew exactly how bad her injury had been.

If she was determined to prove herself, she would choose a demanding piece.

But that kind of difficulty could cause permanent, irreversible damage to her hand.

“I’m worried about you.”

His voice was restrained, but Estella could hear the sincerity in his concern.

“I know. But I have to prove myself. This is my battlefield. I can’t run

Jonathan had no choice but to yield. “All right. Then after you finish, I’ll take you straight to a doctor.”

No one cared more for her health than he did.

But if she insisted on flying, he would do his best to hold her up,

Once the call ended, Jonathan phoned an executive he knew at a media company.

The man was startled by his request.

“… Of course, no problem. That’s simple enough. I’ll send people right away.”

Just before Estella went onstage, Nathaniel appeared.

He’d been watching the livestream too.

He grabbed her hand, scolding, “Estella, do you want to lose your hand? You can’t do this performance. Quit now! Come with me–I’ll take care of those reporters, and that damn influencer too!”

“How will you ‘take care‘ of it?”

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Chapter 222 Proving Herself

Estella looked at him icily.

Nathaniel’s voice was calm and calculated. “It just takes a little money. I can make them shut up.”

Finisher

Estella let out a bitter laugh. “And then my career is finished. Everyone will say I don’t deserve this seat. My music center will never see another student.”

“So what! Whatever you earn is nothing compared to what I can give you. Close that center. As long as you come back to me, I’ll provide for you.”

Estella yanked her hand free.

“Go back and marry your fiancée. Stay out of my business!”

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The chapter closes on Estella’s unwavering determination to prove her worth despite the overwhelming pressure and physical pain she faces. Her resolve to perform, even with an injured hand, highlights her fierce commitment to her principles and her career, refusing to let slander or manipulation dictate her path. The emotional tension between her and those who wish to control or protect her underscores the complexity of her journey — one where strength is not just about talent, but about standing firm in the face of adversity.

At the heart of this chapter is the theme of integrity versus compromise, as Estella rejects easy solutions that would tarnish her reputation and the legacy she’s building. The support and concern from Jonathan and others contrast with her own fierce independence, painting a poignant picture of a woman who must navigate both external attacks and internal struggles. Ultimately, Estella’s choice to confront the challenge head-on reaffirms her identity and sets the stage for her continued fight to reclaim her narrative and prove her true worth.

The next chapter promises to be a tense and emotionally charged turning point for Estella. With the pressure mounting from all sides—public scrutiny, her injured hand, and the relentless provocations from Jake and Isabelle—readers will witness her unwavering determination tested like never before. Will she be able to deliver the performance that could either make or break her career? The stakes have never been higher, and every move she makes will carry heavy consequences.

Meanwhile, the protective figures around Estella, like Jonathan and Nathaniel, are caught between their desire to shield her and respecting her fierce independence. Their conflicting approaches add layers of complexity to the unfolding drama, hinting at potential clashes not only with external enemies but within their own circle. As the spotlight shines brighter, the true cost of Estella’s resolve will become heartbreakingly clear, leaving readers eager to see how she navigates this precarious path.

Cedella

Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.