Chapter 148
Chapter 148:
Paola stared at the screen. The footage was clear. The camera had caught her lifting the music, and even the notes on the sheet could be seen.
Her face twisted in panic. “Rylie, are you insane? You actually installed a camera in your own room p>
Who would do such a thing? Rylie would. She always went against expectations.
With a flick of her fingers, she tucked her hair behind one ear and smiled. “It’s my room. I can put in whatever I want p>
The two stood far from the crowd, speaking in hushed tones. The microphones remained untouched, but anyone watching could tell something was wrong. Paola’s eyes were wide, and her lips trembled. It was clear they were arguing.
Marcus noticed the shift in the room and walked toward them. Rylie handed him the phone. He glanced at the screen. After a few seconds, he turned to Paola. “So that’s why the music sounded off. You copied her work and blamed p>
Paola’s breath caught. She tried to recover, but her voice quivered. “Please, Marcus, let’s talk about this later. Don’t tell them. Please. I didn’t mean to… Just don’t let the audience find out. I’ll explain everything p>
If that video got out, she wouldn’t recover from it. Her image would shatter. Marcus didn’t respond right away. He turned to his sister. “Rylie, what do you want to do p>
Rylie gave a quiet smile. “This is a family matter. If we handle it here, it’ll only bring shame to us. Let’s take care of it later, as she asked. Could you tell the guests something to settle the room p>
He nodded slowly, moved by how patient she remained. “You must have been like this when living with the Kirks. That’s why they always walked all over you,” he said.
Rylie tilted her head, the smile on her face carrying weight. “I didn’t stay quiet this time. I did call her out, didn’t I? This might not have been laid out piece by piece, but anyone with sense should know what happened here tonight.” Marcus, who wasn’t easily fooled, caught on quickly to what she meant.
He turned to the audience and spoke with grace. “Everyone, I apologize for the interruption. What happened was just a family matter. I’ll personally discuss the arrangement with Mr. Aguilar p>
With a formal bow, he added, “Now, please let me present the final piece.” A hush settled over the room, thick with unease. Marcus had offered a way forward, but even so, it was clear to all what he had truly meant.
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Off to the side, Paola stood motionless. Her gown clung to her skin, soaked with sweat. She noticed the glances from the crowd and briefly considered pretending to faint.
Before she could make her move, Rylie stepped in. She placed a steady hand on her waist. “You’d better not fall, Paola. It would be such a shame if you hurt that face p>
That comment alone was enough to jolt her upright. Paola held her posture, though her hands trembled at her sides.
Spencer exited the room in a rush. His jaw was tight as he muttered into his phone, “Pull the theme song right now. I don’t care. It’s the one Paola gave us.” Rylie walked back to her seat with calm steps. As she passed Brad, his voice rose just loud enough for her to hear. “You’re really going to let her get away with it p>
She kept her eyes forward but answered smoothly, “Of course not.” Her voice dropped low. “Take a look around. Everyone’s recording. These days, there’s no such thing as keeping a family matter private p>