My Great Escape Led Me to You novel Chapter 256

When the chatter among the contestants died down and the room fell silent again, Isabella Austin didn’t immediately realize what was happening.

It wasn’t until the hush became so complete that she heard Emily Blair’s piano playing.

She only listened for a few seconds before her expression shifted ever so slightly.

Isabella was known as a prodigy with perfect pitch, her ear for tone and nuance unmatched by almost anyone. That’s why she could instantly pick out something different in Emily’s performance.

Had she heard wrong?

Her breath quickened as she turned, eyes fixed on the door to the performance hall.

Had someone else taken Emily’s place?

There was no way Emily Blair could play like this, was there?

Even she herself hadn’t played at this level when she was Emily’s age.

She glanced at her watch, checking the time since Emily had started. Not even three minutes had passed. Her face clouded with confusion.

Judging by the piece Emily was playing, there was no way the three minutes were up yet—meaning the person still performing had to be Emily Blair.

But how was that possible?

How could Emily Blair have reached this level?

“Isabella, are you still feeling unwell? You look pale. Do you want to go rest for a bit? There’s still a couple of hours before you’re up—you’ve got time,” Diana Harris’s voice cut in, gentle and concerned.

Isabella forced a smile, tugging at the corner of her lips. “No, I’m fine. I’m just worried about Emily.”

Diana gave her a knowing look and patted her hand. “You worry about her far more than she’d ever worry about you. Don’t be silly, sweetheart.”

Isabella nodded stiffly, barely registering the words.

In truth, she hadn’t really heard what Diana was saying at all; her attention was fixed on Emily’s music, her mind a tangled mess. Diana’s words barely registered.

Emily’s playing was just too good—so good it made her anxious, even jealous.

With a mix of disbelief and unease, Isabella wondered if Emily’s talent at the piano might actually surpass her own.

She curled her fingers into the fabric of her skirt, gripping it tightly, her hands resting tensely on her knees.

“Still not feeling well?” Andrew Lane leaned over suddenly, his dark eyes intent and gentle as they studied her face.

Isabella blinked, startled from her thoughts.

Andrew reached out and lightly patted her clenched hand, repeating patiently, “Are you still feeling sick?”

Under the soft glow of the waiting room lights, his gaze seemed even warmer, rippling with gentle concern.

Looking into his eyes, Isabella felt both embarrassed and nervous, afraid he might see right through her.

She quickly mustered a smile. “I’m fine, just a little nervous.”

Diana, delighted to see the two of them together, grinned so broadly her eyes nearly disappeared. “With Andrew and me here, there’s nothing to be nervous about. We’re right by your side.”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify