Chapter 28 Let's Wait And See

• Once the door closed, Natalia avoided Dante’s gaze and spoke calmly. “Mr. Ruiz, I need to tell you something. At the banquet, someone asked me a lot of questions. I got nervous and didn’t know how to answer, so they said it didn’t matter—they’d just make up a story. Then they left. I don’t know what they’re planning or if what I said will violate the rules of this pageant. Could they have been a paparazzo? I’m scared… I don’t want to lose my chance in this competition, so I thought I should tell you.”
• She spoke quickly and erratically, not giving Dante a chance to respond. Then, she laughed bitterly. “But now it seems it doesn’t matter if I tell you or not. Miss Martinez dislikes me. Miss Anne dislikes me too. I must have made a terrible mistake today and won’t make it to the finals. Thank you, Mr. Ruiz, for saving me earlier. Even if I looked pathetic, at least someone offered me a warm hand.”
• She brushed past him, ready to leave.