Chapter 1919

Jean's sudden change of attitude left everyone in the room completely baffled.

Just ten minutes ago, she'd been begging Fiona not to enter the competition- now she was pulling this dramatic scene.

"Your spot in the competition has been revoked," Tyler said, barely glancing at her before signaling to the receptionist waiting by the door. "Please escort Jean out, and bring in the other three contestants."

The other three arrived soon after, but Jean just wouldn't leave.

"Mr. Connor, please, I'm begging you, don't take this away from me! I need this chance, please, I'm desperate!"

"Take her out," Tyler said, not even looking up.

No matter how much Jean cried, the staff didn't hesitate. They came in and led

her away.

"Mr. Connor, about Jean..." someone started.

"She chose not to compete," Tyler said coolly.

The three contestants shot each other confused looks. Everything about that scene screamed that Jean had been forced out, not that she'd left willingly. But none of them said a word—they just focused on themselves.

Fiona stepped forward, gently nudging Jane in front of the others. "She'll be taking Jean's place. You'll be competing together."

No one dared object.

Fiona glanced at her phone. Still no call from Jackson. Was the Woods family situation really that complicated?

"Tyler, I need to visit the Woods family."

"Okay, I'll handle the arrangements."

Downstairs, as Fiona stepped out of the office building, a black Rolls-Royce pulled up to the curb.

She recognized the car instantly-same badge, same plates. Fiona hurried over, but when the door opened, a stranger stepped out and handed her an envelope. "Ms. Fiona, Mr. Woods asked me to give you this."

Jackson?

Fiona took the envelope, her voice tense. "Where is my brother?"

"He said you'd understand once you read it."

A cold feeling crept into Fiona's chest. She tore open the envelope, and as soon as she read the contents, her worst fears were confirmed.

She stood there for a long moment, steadying herself, then looked up. "You can leave. Tell Jackson I won't go looking for him again."

She gripped the envelope, then calmly tore it to pieces and tossed it in the trash. Without another word, she walked away.

The man hadn't expected Fiona to be so firm.

Inside the car, Jackson watched Fiona's retreating figure through the tinted glass. His eyes were full of regret and sadness.

His little sister-he'd let her down.

"Mr. Woods, Ms. Fiona is gone," the driver said quietly.

Jackson stared at the spot where Fiona had stood, then finally said, "Let's go."

Meanwhile, Tyler had been waiting in the parking garage for ages. When Fiona still hadn't shown up, he tried calling her, but she didn't answer. He had no choice but to head back up to the office.

To his surprise, he found Fiona sound asleep on the couch.

Tyler moved quietly, grabbing a blanket and tucking it around her before heading

back to his own office to finish up some paperwork.

Fiona didn't wake until evening. Only

a desk lamp lit the office, casting a warm glow. Through the glass windows, the city sparkled with lightsFiona stretched and checked her phone-still nothing from Jackson.

She thought back to that envelope from earlier, the words written on it: "Fiona, goodbye forever."

Six simple words, but they'd drained every bit of strength from her. She couldn't even find the energy to move.

Brother, why did you do this?

Something must have happened to the Woods family.

"Fiona, are you awake?" Jane's voice called from the doorway.

Fiona turned. "Yeah, I'm up."

"I knew you'd wake up soon! You took such a long nap." Jane came in, carrying a mug of warm milk. She set it down in front of Fiona. "You

must be starving. Here, drink some milk to tide you over."