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She inquired, “Tom, can you explain exactly what happened?” She showed him the incriminating photo
in which he was seen holding drugs.
Tom’s reaction was immediate. He grew indignant and vehemently exclaimed, “I’m innocent. Someone
rushed over and forced that stuff into my hand. I hadn’t even had a chance to react when the police
stormed in.”
Hearing Tom’s vehement denial, Ariana became more certain of her initial suspicion that this might be
Carl’s act of revenge.
Maintaining her composure, she pressed for more details, “Please, Tom, tell me, why did you go to that
bar tonight?”
Tom, however, appeared evasive, struggling to find the right words.
He avoided eye contact with Ariana, and his confidence seemed to waver.
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Determined to get to the bottom of things, she urged, “Tom, you must be honest with me. If you don’t
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇttell me the truth, I won’t be able to help you.”
After a few moments of hesitation, Tom let out a sigh and finally admitted, “I just wanted to make some
extra money. A friend of mine recommended me to the bar, saying I could earn a decent amount by
performing there.”
Ariana pressed further, her voice unwavering, “Make money? Are you in urgent need of money right
now?”
Tom’s face contorted into an awkward smile, and he continued to avoid meeting Ariana’s gaze. With a
lowered head, he reluctantly confessed, “I have debts to repay, and the bank has been pressuring me.”
“Debts? What kind of debts?” Ariana probed.
Tom shrugged and let out a forced chuckle as he reluctantly began to explain, “My father used to be a
successful businessman in Eleymond, quite well-off you could say. But then he got swindled by
someone, and his business investments went south. Unable to bear the financial strain, he took his
own life.”
Tom recounted these events with an air of resignation. He hung his head low as he delved into the
difficult circumstances he had faced.
“After my father’s death, the debts he owed to the bank still needed to be repaid, and those debts were
transferred to me. So, for the past few years, I’ve been trying my hand at various endeavors, from
underground music to bar singer. I used to perform regularly at a bar to chip away at the debts.
Additionally, I have a younger sister currently in college who relies on me for financial support.”
Tom explained while gesturing helplessly. He then looked at Ariana, his gaze filled with a mix of
vulnerability and sincerity.
“Originally, I thought I could make some extra money during this talent show, especially since it gained
so much attention. I wanted to seize the opportunity and finally pay off the remaining debts.
However, during the competition, there was no substantial income to be earned. Even if I hadn’t been
eliminated, the appearance fees were only a few hundred dollars. I would have had to wait until the
show ended or my manager secured me some events to earn anything significant. But the bank’s
relentless pressure and my sister’s tuition fees weighed heavily on me. She’s working part-time as well,
but I didn’t want her to bear such a heavy burden. So, I made the decision to try and earn some extra
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmincome myself.”
Listening to Tom’s heartfelt explanation, Ariana couldn’t help but feel sympathy for the young man. He
had faced so much hardship at a relatively tender age.
“You should have confided in me about these issues earlier,” Ariana sighed gently, her voice laced with
compassion.
Tom offered a faint smile.
“It’s my own situation, and I believed I could manage it on my own. Besides, I didn’t want to trouble
you.”
Ariana accepted the responsibility, acknowledging her oversight. She then took immediate action and
contacted her assistant while Tom stood by.
“I will have my assistant provide you with an advance on the performance fees for all of you. It may not
be much, but it should help ease the immediate financial strain.”
Tom found himself momentarily taken aback, his eyes widening in disbelief at Ariana’s unwavering
trust. A blend of surprise and genuine warmth washed over him as he finally found his voice.
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