My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 635

The moment the first notes of the piano sounded, Emily Blair knew the outcome was set.

Isabella Austin had chosen to perform a piece composed by Rose Ward.

To be fair, Rose Ward’s piano compositions were a cut above the rest—complex and emotionally nuanced, requiring not just technical skill but a true artist’s touch to bring them to life.

And Isabella’s performance was, without a doubt, outstanding.

She hadn’t been thrown off in the slightest by the surprise appearance of Rose Ward herself.

So far, among all the contestants who had performed, Isabella’s was easily the best.

Emily caught sight of Director Parker nodding his approval at Isabella from his seat.

Shoulders straight, chin high, Isabella stepped elegantly off the stage, her gaze sweeping loftily across the audience—lingering, just for a moment, in Emily’s direction.

She paused.

Emily, sitting in her seat, had fallen fast asleep. Her head lolled to the side, bobbing gently up and down.

Isabella: …

Clearly, Emily didn’t care much about the competition. She wasn’t here for the trophy—no wonder she could sleep so soundly in the middle of it all.

Who knew how long she’d been out?

All Emily knew was that one of the other contestants eventually had to shake her awake when it was her turn to perform.

Blinking herself back to consciousness, the first thing Emily saw was the look of thinly veiled contempt on the faces of the other contestants around her—disgusted that someone could nod off at such an important event.

Emily just thanked them, then hurried up to the stage.

She might not have cared about the competition, but that didn’t mean she hadn’t put some effort into composing her own piece.

When she finished playing, the last note lingered in the air.

Emily didn’t bother to glance at the judges or see what expression Director Parker was wearing. Just as hurriedly as she’d gone up, she darted back down the stage, leaving the judges and contestants staring after her in surprise.

She slid back into her seat and, without missing a beat, closed her eyes and drifted off again.

The contestants nearby could only stare at her in disbelief, exasperated by how desperate she seemed to get back to her nap.

As the rankings were read, thunderous applause filled the room.

Emily weaved through the crowd and stepped up onto the stage, coming to stand beside Isabella Austin.

Isabella snatched her trophy from the judge, beaming with smug satisfaction—she looked every bit the proud peacock.

“Convinced now, Emily?” Isabella’s tone was gentle, but there was a mocking sparkle in her eyes.

“Just so you know, I’m first, you’re second,” Isabella went on smoothly. “And don’t forget—the deadline for your wager with Director Parker is coming up. If you can’t prove you didn’t plagiarize, you lose.”

Emily only smiled, her clear eyes calm and unruffled as she looked at Isabella.

“That’s hardly the important thing right now,” Emily said lightly, “Wouldn’t you say it’s a bit more surprising to see Rose Ward here?”

Isabella’s expression flickered, but she recovered quickly. “What do you mean? Did you invite her?”

“Getting nervous now?” Emily said softly. “Maybe you should have thought ahead.”

Isabella gritted her teeth. “You’d better explain yourself, Emily.”