Ben wouldn’t let Jamie fight his battles for him.He pulled her behind him, shielding her, and addressed the crowd with a cold expression. If that’s the case, let’s have the authorities investigate. Jamie stared at him, stunned.She understood the saying, A clear conscience fears no accusation. As long as Ben had nothing to hide, there was no reason to be afraid.But these people weren’t here for the truth, they were looking for trouble. It was likely orchestrated by their defeated opponents, timed to create chaos. Even if nothing incriminating was found, the media would seize the opportunity to smear them. Ben was doing this for her, disregarding himself completely.She was touched, but also anxious. She wanted to pull him back.However, Ben wasn’t budging this time. His warm but firm hand enveloped hers, silently telling her not to stop him.What’s the matter? Afraid? Ben asked, his hands casually in his pockets, raising an eyebrow with a hint of defiance.The loudest agitator faltered under his imposing demeanor, stepping back instinctively. Then, as if trying to bolster his courage, the man muttered, Afraid of what? He’s just bluffing. There’s no way he could’ve destroyed the evidence in such a short time… As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Ben.Fine! Let’s do this! But let’s agree-if you can’t clear your name, that woman behind you has to withdraw from the semifinals!We won’t allow people like you to participate in this competition.Ben’s brows furrowed slightly, and his voice turned icy. Change the condition. This is between you and me. Don’t drag her into it.He didn’t care what happened to him, but Jamie was off-limits. No one else understood, but he did. He knew how much effort she had poured into this competition. He couldn’t let her sacrifices go to waste.The man smirked, his expression smug, as if he had just confirmed something. So you don’t dare to take the bet.Who said I don’t dare? Jamie replied. Jamie, you-Jamie gave Ben a reassuring look, then turned to the man. We’ll agree to your condition, but you’ll have to agree to mine as well. If Ben clears his name, you must issue a public apology. en FindNovelShe pointed to the people recording the scene around them.From the moment the commotion started, there were people secretly filming. No doubt their conversation would soon be all over the internet-if it wasn’t already trending.To prevent the Lucas Corporation from being dragged through another media storm like last time, Jamie had to take precautions.The man, confident they wouldn’t succeed, agreed without hesitation.Jamie couldn’t understand why hewas so sure of himself. She guessed he was acting under someone’s orders, someone who likely had insider knowledge. That would explain his arrogance. Soon, the authorities arrived. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ Findηovel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.They moved quickly, wearing official badges and maintaining a professional demeanor as they conducted the search.Meanwhile, the man stood smuglyto the side, as if he had already won. What a pity, he sneered. You made it through the earlier rounds of the competition, only to lose right before the semifinals. It’s almost tragic. Really? I’d say the pitiful one here is you, Jamie replied with a faint smile.Her calm, detached tone drew a glare from him.Acting as someone else’s pawn, thinking you’re clever enough to take down the queen, when in reality, you’re just a disposable piece, she said lightly. You-! The man’s face flushed with anger, but before he could explode, the officials returned.They looked stern, holding a stack of documents in their hands.The sight made the man laugh loudly. He pointed at Jamie and taunted her at the top of his lungs. See that? You’re finished!