My Great Escape Led Me to You novel Chapter 191

Isabella Austin’s turn in the preliminaries came before Emily Blair’s. Given Isabella’s skill, her place in the next round was a sure thing—there was no suspense.

So when applause broke out across the hall at the end of Isabella’s performance, Emily barely batted an eye.

She sat in the waiting room, looking up just as Andrew Lane appeared at the backstage entrance, escorting a triumphant Isabella inside.

Emily didn’t have time to look away before she caught Andrew’s gaze—dark and unreadable, it lingered for a second before sliding indifferently past her. Beside him, Isabella offered her a gracious, almost gentle smile.

Emily didn’t bother to interpret the gesture, simply turning her eyes elsewhere.

“Emily Blair.”

The voice was teasing and casual. Without looking up, Emily registered the flash of pale blue as someone slid into the seat beside her.

“Emily, your turn’s coming up soon. Are you nervous?”

Alex White had arrived uninvited, leaning in with a strikingly handsome face and warm amber eyes—though, if you looked closely, there was a chill beneath the surface.

Emily didn’t blink, didn’t spare him a glance. “And what’s it to you?”

Alex chuckled, a low sound. “Oh, it’s got everything to do with me.”

He leaned closer, his tone soft as honey. “Because I’ve prepared a little present for you—something that’ll make you very happy. A real surprise.”

Emily’s brows lifted ever so slightly, her gaze steady and cool. “If you give me something, I’ll return the favor.”

Alex’s smile faltered for a split second before he laughed louder. “Emily, what could you possibly do from here?”

The contempt in his eyes was obvious.

Emily’s lips curved in a smirk. “Would you like to see a photo of Andrew Lane and Isabella Austin together? I could send you one. I don’t have it now, but maybe next time, I’ll snap you a shot—let you see what a first love looks like with someone else.”

“Emily.” Alex’s voice dropped, his face darkening.

Emily smiled as well. “Alex, you’re not all that impressive yourself.”

Alex privately thought the rumors were true: Emily Blair was petty and jealous, never quite measuring up to Isabella.

He stared at her a moment, then smiled faintly. “Let’s see if you can still smile after this is over, Emily.”

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