My Great Escape Led Me to You novel Chapter 190

She lifted her gaze, locking eyes with Alex White.

Alex’s lips curled into a knowing smile before he turned and walked away. He didn’t bother greeting Isabella Austin; instead, he headed straight for the competition arena.

Emily Blair’s brow furrowed ever so slightly as she watched him go. Her eyes drifted toward Andrew Lane and Isabella Austin. Andrew had his back to her, but Isabella turned to meet Emily’s gaze.

Isabella picked up her water bottle, making sure the White Group logo faced outward, and gave it a little shake in Emily’s direction with a bright, pointed smile.

Emily’s expression flickered. She drew a slow, steadying breath, pushing down the surge of anxiety that threatened to overwhelm her. The Starlight Piano Competition was known for its fairness and integrity—just because Alex White sponsored the event didn’t mean the judges would accept bribes.

With that thought in mind, Emily managed to relax a little, her features smoothing as she tried to focus.

Elsewhere, Isabella dried her hands as she stepped out of the restroom. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a flash of pale blue. Her heart skipped a beat. Instinctively, she started to retreat, but before she could move, someone grabbed her wrist and pinned her gently against the wall.

A hand pressed over her mouth, stifling her startled cry.

Isabella nearly burst into tears. Her breath came in sharp, shuddering gasps, her body trembling so hard she could barely keep her eyes open.

“What’s all this?” murmured a gentle voice in her ear, as if sighing in regret.

Isabella slowly opened her eyes, blinking up at the person in front of her. Tears rolled freely down her cheeks, her gaze wide and terrified.

Seeing her like this nearly broke him. Alex White’s tone softened even more; he leaned in, using the hand that had been covering her mouth to gently wipe away her tears.

“There, there—don’t cry, sweetheart. You’re breaking my heart.”

As Isabella finally realized who it was, her tears only intensified. She hit Alex’s shoulder and chest with her fists, her words choked with sobs.

“Why would you scare me like that?!”

Alex only chuckled, accepting her flustered outrage. “Okay, okay, it’s my fault, all right? Hit me as much as you like, I deserve it.”

Isabella wiped at her tears and shot him a wounded glare. “Now my hand hurts.”

Alex’s laughter was warm and playful as he reached for her hand. “Where does it hurt? Let me see.”

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