My Great Escape Led Me to You novel Chapter 196

As Emily Blair settled onto the piano bench, Arianna George’s voice floated over from the judges’ table.

“Emily Blair, this piano is clearly not as well-tuned as the last one, but you insisted on the switch. All consequences are yours to bear.”

Emily’s reply was calm. “I understand.”

“Then you may begin.”

Her fingers pressed the first key. Even as the first note rang out, Emily had already calculated how she’d get through the preliminary round—competent, but holding back just enough.

On purpose, she played a minor wrong note. It wasn’t anything glaring; the piece as a whole was fluid and pleasant, easily good enough to advance, but far from remarkable.

When she finished, as expected, the applause from both judges and audience was sparse, matching the level of her performance.

Emily stood up from the bench and offered a small, polite bow to the judges and audience.

When she looked up, she immediately caught Arianna George’s slight frown, and the scornful expressions of a few competitors.

“I thought she was supposed to be impressive. Turns out she’s nothing special—she can’t hold a candle to Isabella Austin.”

“How did she ever get the nerve to challenge Isabella? With that kind of playing, she shouldn’t even make it past the prelims. I went first, and honestly, Isabella’s got first place in the bag. Emily Blair’s more likely to finish dead last.”

The snickers and whispered jeers spread among the competitors as they nudged each other.

“Alright, alright, if she hears you, she’ll start crying. If she does, you’re on comfort duty.”

“Comfort? I’d rather keep heckling her.”

“But seriously, Isabella’s life is unreal—wealthy family, gorgeous looks, plays piano like a pro, incredible boyfriend, childhood friend who dotes on her… some people just have all the luck.”

The words were hushed, but in the quiet hall, they carried all too clearly.

Even standing on stage, Emily could hear every word.

She listened, expression unchanged, unmoved by their cattiness. Nothing they said could touch her; she had no interest in arguing.

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