My Great Escape Led Me to You novel Chapter 253

The loud slam of the door was followed by a man’s furious roar: “Emily Blair! You actually dare to compete?!”

The outburst came out of nowhere, sharp and jarring against the gentle flow of piano music filling the hall.

It was impossible for Emily not to be affected—her heart skipped, and her wrist trembled for a split second.

Fortunately, she regained composure just in time, keeping the piece on track; the melody never faltered.

Emily’s hands never stopped moving. She drew a slow breath, fingers gliding smoothly over the keys, letting the music flow as if nothing had happened.

Arianna George shot to her feet and spun around.

At the back of the recital room, Larry Mitchell had emerged from the shadows, seizing the moment to disrupt Emily’s performance.

From across the dimly lit auditorium, Larry stood out—face twisted with anger, brandishing a massive, six-foot-long, flashing red sign. Only two words glowed on it:

“Rigged Game”

The red letters burned bright in the gloom, the stage lights focused on Emily alone. The audience was shrouded in shadows, making Larry’s sign even more glaring.

He glared at Emily with a wild look, but she didn't even spare him a glance.

He’d caused such a scene, made such a spectacle of himself—and yet Emily Blair played on, as if she were alone on stage. She didn’t even blink.

The melody rose and fell, full of emotion and depth. Larry could tell exactly which piece she was playing. He could also tell—frustratingly—that she hadn’t missed a single note. Not even his shouting had rattled her.

The judges, including Arianna, all noticed. Their expressions shifted.

They’d expected Emily to freeze in panic, maybe even stop playing. Instead, she was rock-solid, focused, almost as if she hadn’t even heard the chaos Larry was causing.

Even the panel of seasoned judges found themselves shaken by Larry’s interruption.

Arianna watched Emily, her gaze gradually filling with respect. The other judges exchanged glances, then gave a silent nod. Security could handle Larry Mitchell—they had a job to do. They sat back down and forced themselves to focus, determined to give Emily the fair and attentive judging she deserved.

If Emily could maintain her composure, so could they. It was only right—they owed her a level playing field and their undivided attention.

Seeing the judges treat him as invisible, Larry’s rage boiled over. He bellowed, “Emily Blair! How can you have the nerve to keep playing?!”

His voice nearly drowned out Emily’s music. Even the judges, who'd just managed to concentrate again, jumped at the sudden shout.

Arianna’s face darkened. She immediately looked to Emily.

But Emily was unshaken, her playing steady and poised.

Arianna exhaled in relief.

Larry kept ranting, “You judges—and the organizers—pretend to care about fairness, but it’s all a sham! As long as I’m here, Emily Blair will never make the finals!”

“This competition is rigged! Who’s going to stand up for me?”

Arianna ignored him and called security.

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