My Great Escape Led Me to You novel Chapter 278

Before long, Isabella Austin swept into the room, her arms cradling a bouquet of blue roses.

Unlike the preliminary and semi-final rounds, this time, none of the other contestants rushed over to shower her with congratulations or flattery. In fact, they treated Isabella as though she were invisible—expressionless, pretending not to notice her at all.

Isabella didn’t seem to mind. Her smile remained dazzling, brimming with confidence and pride. The sharp clicks of her heels echoed across the waiting room, louder than ever in the hush, but she made no effort to tone it down.

Emily Blair watched as Isabella strode right up to her, the rhythmic thud of each step impossible to ignore.

Emily said nothing, simply meeting Isabella’s gaze. Isabella’s lips curved into a gracious, self-assured smile. “Emily Blair, I saw you out there. Thank you for applauding for me.”

Emily’s reply was calm. “You’re welcome.”

Isabella let out a soft, amused laugh, then arched a brow. “But I’m afraid I won’t have time to clap for you later. Andrew and I have plans—we’ll be stepping out for a bit.”

A faint blush crept onto her face. “You know how it is.”

Her gaze swept the room, her smile lingering with hidden meaning. “I’m pregnant, after all. It’s stuffy and crowded in here, and Andrew’s worried it’s not good for me or the baby. He booked the room next door so I can get some rest. I won’t be around for a while.”

Lowering her head, Isabella inhaled the scent of her roses, her eyes shining with satisfaction and pride. “Andrew gave these to me—ninety-nine blue roses. Aren’t they beautiful?”

She plucked one from the bouquet and held it out to Emily, her laughter light and lilting. “Here, take one. Maybe it’ll bring you a little luck.”

Emily stared quietly as Isabella continued her performance, making no move to accept the flower.

She glanced over the bouquet and noticed that Isabella had chosen one of the smallest blooms.

Emily’s lips twitched in a half-smile. “No, thank you. You should keep it, Ms. Austin. If I really did steal your luck, you’d only be upset.”

Isabella’s eyes flickered, then she gave a short, scornful laugh and tossed the blue rose onto Emily’s lap.

“Just take it. It’s not like Andrew’s the only one who gives me flowers. My fans do, too. I have plenty of bouquets—more than you, obviously. You look a little pathetic sitting there empty-handed. Consider this a pity gift.”

Emily said nothing, simply watching Isabella.

As Isabella turned to leave, Emily flicked her hand and sent the blue rose tumbling to the floor.

“I think I’ll pass, Ms. Austin,” Emily called out, her voice deliberately loud and feigning surprise. “Oh dear, I dropped it by accident. Why don’t you pick it up yourself?”

Isabella’s expression darkened as she shot Emily an unpleasant look. Then she smiled, her eyes glinting with malice.

“If it’s fallen, I don’t want it anymore. Once it’s been touched by something filthy, I’d rather leave it behind.”

She raised her heel and, with deliberate disdain, crushed the blue rose beneath her shoe before striding out, her posture radiating arrogance.

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