My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 290

“But as for this matter, that’s the end of it.”

Emily Blair’s gaze sharpened.

It was obvious what Andrew Lane meant—he was talking about her exposing Isabella Austin for plagiarism.

Now everyone realized Andrew was doing this for Isabella, drawing a clear line between her and the other women, thinking ahead to protect the one he cared about. What a devoted man.

Isabella’s eyes softened as she spoke, her voice light as air. “Andrew, thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

Emily let out a short, sharp laugh. “Spare me. This stage was built by the sponsors—if there’s any compensation, it’s their responsibility. This has nothing to do with you two.”

“And another thing,” Emily said, meeting Andrew’s eyes, “I’m not letting this go.”

Her voice was even more resolute now.

Andrew’s dark eyes grew colder, fixed on her like a storm cloud.

The room fell silent again, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

It was Arianna George who finally broke the tension.

“All right, enough. This really is an issue for the organizers to handle. There’s no point fighting among yourselves. As for Emily’s injury, the committee will take full responsibility. She’ll get the compensation she deserves.”

Arianna was speaking on behalf of the organizers—no one dared to argue.

“And regarding the final rankings—”

Contestants and audience members immediately perked up, hanging on her every word.

“Because of what happened between Emily and Isabella, the final results haven’t been released yet. Right now, making sure Emily is taken care of is the top priority. Tonight, the judges and organizers will review everything and announce the final results tomorrow morning. Until then, please be patient.”

“We’ll also be investigating what happened between Emily Blair and Isabella Austin. Both contestants will get a fair explanation. That’s all. Any objections?”

No one spoke.

“The ambulance is here!”

Arianna hesitated, then her face hardened with resolve. “Tell me the truth. What really happened between you and Isabella Austin?”

Emily lowered the apple to her lap, head bowed, deep in thought.

Arianna assumed she was avoiding the question, her tone sharpening. “Emily, answer me. This happened during the Starlight Piano Competition finals. We can’t just sweep it under the rug. Even if you won’t talk, I’ll get to the bottom of it.”

Emily took a slow breath, then lifted her eyes. Her gaze was striking—dark, clear, and unflinching.

Arianna found herself caught off guard. She’d never really looked into Emily’s eyes before. Now she did, she was startled by what she saw.

Emily’s eyes were round, the sort that looked calm and unreadable when blank, almost like an old painting. But when she glanced up, they widened, the corners lifting slightly, making her seem both innocent and vulnerable—like a gentle, soft kitten who couldn’t help but draw sympathy.

Arianna’s voice softened before she even realized it. “Tell me the truth. If you’ve really been wronged, I promise—as a judge and as someone older—I won’t just stand by.”

Something trembled inside Emily. For a moment, her eyes shimmered with emotion.

She licked her dry lips, voice hoarse. “Ms. George, can I trust you?”