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Chapter 1091
Chapter 1091
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. | 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 tell me the truth, | 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 | 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. | used to perform regularly at a bar to chip away at the debts. Additionally, | 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, | thought | could make some extra money during this talent show, especially since it gained so much attention. | 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 | hadn’t been eliminated, the appearance fees were only a few hundred dollars. | 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 | didn’t want her to bear such a heavy burden. So, | made the decision to try and earn some extra income 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 | believed | could manage it on my own. Besides, | 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.
“| 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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