Chapter 160
Chapter 160:
Laurel had been keeping an eye on the Owen family’s reaction. She believed trouble might be coming and had already prepared a counterplan.
Paola, who had once been tricked badly, grew uneasy. “Mom, do you think Rylie’s setting another trap for us p>
Laurel thought for a while, then smiled with confidence. “Devin has always been reliable. The Owens probably hired experts to verify the videos. They must’ve confirmed that the one online is real and the one Rylie showed was fake. That’s why they’re disappointed in her p>
Paola’s eyes lit up. “So what should we do next p>
Just then, Isabella called, her tone light and mocking. “Paola, did you hear Rylie’s latest joke p>
Paola glanced at Laurel before replying. “No, I’ve been practicing piano. Haven’t kept up with gossip. What did Rylie do now p>
“The Wesdown International Piano Competition has opened registration for our division. I saw Rylie’s name on the website p>
Paola looked shocked. She turned to check the calendar. “But isn’t that held every four years? It’s not time yet p>
Isabella replied, “Exactly. But the organizers suddenly decided to hold the competition early, catching all of us off guard. Paola, are you planning to register too? Winning a prize in that competition has always been your dream,” Isabella said.
Paola’s heart skipped. Winning at Wesdown meant joining the ranks of the best pianists. She might not reach Marcus’s global fame, but at home, she’d finally be respected. Still…
A shadow flickered across Paola’s face. “Why would Rylie choose this moment, of all moments, to throw herself into the competition? Is she trying to make some kind of statement p>
Thoughtful silence settled as Isabella considered her friend’s words. “That’s definitely possible. With her joining, does that mean you’ll be standing across from her at the finals p>
Agreement was written all over Isabella’s response. After exchanging a flurry of hurried messages, Paola wasted no time in ending the conversation and reaching out to Laurel with the news about Rylie.
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She spoke with urgency. “Mom, Rylie’s just entered the Wesdown International Piano Competition. She’s clearly trying to prove something. What am I supposed to do now p>
Anxiety was clear in the way Paola’s shoulders sagged, and Laurel felt it like a knot in her own chest. With her tone steady, Laurel said, “From the moment you learned to walk, I made sure you studied with the best piano teachers. You’ve put your heart into this for years, and now you’re going to let Rylie rattle you? Do you truly believe you can’t outplay someone who’s never even had real lessons p>
Color rose in Laurel’s cheeks as her frustration grew. Paola’s answer came after a long pause. “But Mom, Rylie’s actually good. Sometimes I wonder if it’s because I’m not a direct Owen, like she is p>
A dry laugh escaped Laurel. “Genes? If that’s what you’re worried about, remember this — your father isn’t Kendrick’s son, sure, but he’s still the nephew. Owen blood runs in him, and has it done him any favors p>