My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 632

Linda stared at her for a few seconds, then abruptly turned away, presenting the back of her head—making it perfectly clear she had no intention of talking to Isabella Austin.

A hint of embarrassment flickered across Isabella’s face.

Mr. Parker gently patted Linda’s back. “Sweetheart, it’s not polite to ignore people.”

Linda’s response was to cling even more tightly to Mr. Parker’s neck, burying her face in his shoulder as she made her feelings known. “NO.”

Mr. Parker shot Isabella an apologetic glance. “I’m sorry about that.”

As if things couldn’t get more awkward, Emily Blair just happened to witness the whole scene. Irritation simmered inside Isabella, but she managed a smooth tone. “No worries. Your daughter is adorable.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Emily caught the insincere, faintly mocking look Isabella shot her.

“Emily, you’re here for the competition too?” Isabella asked.

Emily met her gaze without flinching. “That’s right.”

Isabella exchanged a meaningful look with Mr. Parker. “I thought you weren’t going to participate this year.”

Emily arched an eyebrow. “What, do I need your permission to enter?”

She glanced around with a light laugh. “Funny, the event staff never mentioned I needed your approval to compete.”

A flash of annoyance crossed Isabella’s eyes. “You’re misunderstanding me—that’s not what I meant, I just…”

She took half a step closer to Emily, her gaze turning cold. “This competition puts a premium on originality. The first round requires everyone to perform an original piano piece. Are you sure you want to go through with it?”

Isabella switched to English for that last line, making sure Mr. Parker was listening, as if seeking his agreement.

Mr. Parker didn’t say a word.

Emily’s lips curled in a faint, confident smile. She answered in Mandarin, “Shouldn’t you be asking yourself that question? Or do you think you’re already untouchable?”

Emily ignored her, focusing on Mr. Parker. “If you’re so certain I’m the one who plagiarized, then what do you have to lose? You’re guaranteed to win. If you take the bet and I lose, I’ll invest ten million dollars in your next film.”

Mr. Parker’s eyes lit up.

Emily smiled. “Well? Tempted?”

Mr. Parker’s tone grew serious. “And what do you get out of this?”

Emily arched a brow. “Just a little satisfaction. So, are you willing to take the bet or not?”

He fell silent, considering her for a few seconds. “And if you win?”

Emily flashed him a bright, knowing smile.

Mr. Parker felt a nagging suspicion stir in his mind.