My Great Escape Led Me to You novel Chapter 267

The room fell silent for a heartbeat before an eruption of sneering laughter broke the quiet—a chorus of mocking jeers.

“Are you kidding? There’s no way Emily Blair could’ve taken first place. Are you out of your mind?”

“Seriously, what are you thinking? Even if Emily Blair somehow beats us, there’s no way she’s better than Isabella Austin. It’s obvious—just wait for the rankings. You’ll see.”

“Alright, enough. Emily Blair can hear you.”

“So what if she does? You’re afraid of her? After Larry Mitchell made such a fuss, going on and on about her, if the organizers aren’t idiots, they should’ve kicked Emily Blair out ages ago. Then Larry wouldn’t have needed to make a scene online, dragging the rest of us into it. Honestly, we didn’t ask for this mess.”

“You’re right. I almost forgot about Larry Mitchell. Hasn’t the committee addressed his accusations yet?”

“Don’t you check your phone? Larry Mitchell already apologized. He said it was all a misunderstanding and that Emily Blair made it to the semifinals on her own merit.”

“What? When did he apologize? I didn’t see that. Why would he?”

“You’d have to ask Emily Blair. Who else could make that happen?”

Emily Blair lowered her eyes, saying nothing.

Half an hour later, every contestant had performed.

Once again, it was Arianna George who would announce the results.

“The winner of first place in the Starlight Piano Competition semifinals is…”

All the contestants in their seats stared at Arianna George on stage, eyes fixed on the sheet of paper in her hands, as if they could see right through it to the rankings and scores.

Compared to the others, Emily Blair and Isabella Austin looked remarkably at ease.

Emily just watched Arianna quietly.

She knew there was no chance she’d take first, but she also knew she wasn’t going to be eliminated this round.

Isabella, on the other hand, sat upright in her chair, smiling confidently, her entire demeanor radiating the certainty of victory—as if this year’s Starlight Piano Competition trophy was already hers.

Truth be told, Emily had a good idea who’d come out on top. She doubted she was wrong.

Arianna George glanced up and gave Isabella a warm, almost affectionate, smile.

“Congratulations to Isabella Austin for taking first place in the semifinals.”

No surprises there. Isabella’s talent was undeniable, and she’d even held back a bit—there was no way Emily or anyone else could’ve beaten her.

As Arianna’s words echoed through the hall, applause erupted from every seat, going on and on.

Isabella rose gracefully, walked up to the stage, and accepted her certificate from Arianna George, her poise unshaken by the adulation.

Emily joined in the applause, generous as ever.

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