Chapter 1944

"That's a shame. Since one of our contestants isn't feeling well, let's have them head back and rest. Meanwhile, let's turn our attention to the big screen..."

Onstage, the host kept the commentary rolling, his voice smooth and practiced. Out in the audience, Fiona lifted her hand, signaling to the organizers sitting just a few rows away.

"Ms. Fiona, is there something you need?" one of them asked politely.

"Did you arrange that last round?" Fiona's tone was flat, her face unreadable— pure business.

The organizer hesitated, searching Fiona's expression for any hint of what she was thinking. But Fiona just turned and looked straight at her, gaze sharp and unwavering. The organizer froze, suddenly unsure of herself.

"If you're unhappy about anything, Ms. Fiona, I can switch up our marketing plan right away. I'll issue a statement to clear up any misunderstandings from earlier," she offered anxiously.

"No need. I'm actually very satisfied." Fiona raised a hand, stopping her, and gave a hint of a smile. "In fact, I've heard you're planning a competition in the States next quarter. International Glam is interested in investing. And if you can dig up the evidence I'm looking for this time, not only will International Glam get involved -Woods Corporation and Stonnell International will join in, too."

The news hit the organizer like a windfall. She almost couldn't speak, her mind racing with excitement.

This was huge. Not only would her own status skyrocket, but there was serious money on the table.

The more she thought about it, the harder it was to hide her joy-she nearly reached out to grab Fiona's hand in thanks.

"Ms. Fiona, are you serious?"

"Of course."

"You can count on me. I'll get to the bottom of this-I still run this island, after all."

She couldn't sit still any longer. The organizer stood and hurried off toward a secluded corner of the island, where a metal cage was guarded by half a dozen burly men. Inside was the man they'd caught back in the kitchen-the main suspect from Jackson and Fiona's earlier investigation. He'd kept his mouth shut, refusing to say anything about who was behind him.

But now, with such a huge opportunity on the line, there was no way the organizer would let it slip away. With a few bodyguards in tow, she marched straight to the cage.

Back at the competition, the matches wrapped up and the crowd began to leave. Fiona headed backstage, only to hear Jane call out behind her.

She stopped, turning to wait as Jane caught up.

"What's your plan for tomorrow's round?" Jane asked, worry clear in her voice. They walked side by side as Jane explained, "Country M just switched out their contestant. They're sending Esther in.

Apparently she's already won

dozens of awards-she's a real

powerhouse."

Esther's skills were on par with Jane's, but the competition rules meant no contestant could compete twice. That rule had already tripped up a lot of teams.

Jane couldn't go back out there, even if she wanted to.

"What do you think we should do?" Fiona asked, pretending to consider, but really trying to get a read on Jane's thoughts.

"We've got two team members left who haven't competed yet. I've checked out their abilities before we came, and honestly? Against Esther, they don't stand a chance. It's going to be a total wipeout."

Jane let out a long breath, frustration and worry written all over her face. This was

exactly what had been keeping her up at night.