Chapter: 1231

Sallie believed her act was impeccable, her words beyond reproach, convinced she would sway her audience.

"Nora, please, let me go," she pleaded earnestly-the only truthful words she spoke. Yet, her poor deception skills meant nobody was convinced.

Phillip's response was swift and chilling. He seized her by the neck, lifting her into the air. His eyes were icy as he spoke. “It seems you don't appreciate this opportunity."

From the sidelines, the organizer protested vehemently, "Lynching is illegal! Sir, please put Sallie down immediately."

Struggling for breath, Sallie's face flushed a deep red. She clawed at his grip, but it was futile. She gasped for help, her voice barely a whisper, “Help... help.."

However, her pleas fell on deaf ears, particularly with Amy, who seemed inclined to teach Sallie a lesson personally.

Meanwhile, Nora felt a sharp pain in her finger, a sudden, alarming urge to end Sallie herself surfacing. She was shocked by her own violent impulse.

As Sallie's eyes rolled back, Phillip finally released her. He watched coldly as she collapsed to the floor, coughing and gasping for air. His tone was stern. "You know I'm not joking. This is your last chance."

“I-I'll tell you everything," Sallie managed to stammer between breaths, shaken by the suffocation. “It was Cade Newman-he instructed me to do it."

The organizer's demeanor shifted instantly to one of apprehension.

Sean's voice cut through the tension, cold and direct. “Why would he ask you to do that?"

"He paid me to put blades in the piano. I did it for the money. I don't understand it myself," Sallie confessed, her previous tale of revenge against Sheryl dissolving into a mere fabrication. "He only asked me to place the blades. I don't know his reasons," she insisted, her voice trembling with fear.

Indeed, the competition order had been abruptly changed last minute— could Cade have anticipated that?

"I'm telling the truth. Please, don't call the police."

As Sallie pleaded, the police arrived, escorting a screaming Sallie out the door.

The organizer, visibly unnerved, mopped his brow and addressed the room, “Please, just a moment. I need to consult my boss about this..."

He clearly felt out of his depth with the unfolding drama.

"Hold on," Phillip interjected, blocking the man's path after a subtle cue from Sean. "Who is Cade? You seem familiar with him, don't you?"

The mention of Cade's name altered the organizer's demeanor instantly.

With Amy's bodyguards positioning themselves around him, he appeared both pressured and frightened.

“You have a keen eye," Nora commended, admiring the strategy.

Sean, catching her glance, allowed himself a small smile.

The organizer, avoiding eye contact, admitted, “Everyone in Bellfolk knows of Cade. He's the town's most notorious drug lord. The police have tried to catch him for ages without success. We ordinary folk steer clear of him."

Sean was momentarily lost in thought, remembering the infamous figure.