Chapter 149
Chapter 149:
Someone from the crowd had already posted the scandal online before the lights even dimmed. The headline was loud and clear: “Marcus Concert Disaster: Paola Garrett Plagiarism Scandal p>
Brad laughed under his breath. “You sly little fox p>
Rylie glanced at him but didn’t argue. She knew foxes had a reputation for being clever. She accepted the name without protest.
As the event wound down, Brad took a phone call. His mood shifted, and he stepped out before the rest.
Rylie stayed until the last note faded, then left the hall with Marcus for dinner. Before she reached the exit, Spencer’s voice called from behind. “Miss Owen, could you hold on a second p>
She turned around, smiling. “What is it p>
He hesitated. “Would you mind if we talked in private p>
She lifted a brow. “Alright p>
They moved to Marcus’ lounge. Once they were alone, Spencer spoke sincerely, his earlier judgments pushed aside. “Miss Owen, that composition… It was really yours, wasn’t it? I heard the piano in the library. It had to be you p>
Rylie sank into the sofa and answered with ease, “Yes, I played it p>
Things started falling into place for him. He had followed the music to the library, expecting to find Paola, but saw no one. They only ran into each other later in the reception hall. Now it all made sense. The person playing the piano at that time was Rylie.
He straightened in his seat. “We truly loved that piece. Would you consider selling the rights? It would be perfect for my film p>
Rylie thought about it before answering, “I can’t take full credit. The opening few bars came from Paola’s discarded notes. I noticed them on her desk and finished the piece based on those p>
She gave a knowing smile. “It could work as a shared composition. Paola sparked the idea, but I turned it into something complete. Her mistake was trying to pass it off as hers p>
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Spencer leaned forward slightly, unsure. “So… what are you saying p>
She kept her tone calm. “I don’t mind a collaboration. Ask Paola if she’s open to co-composing p>
Spencer paused for a moment, then let out a quiet sigh. “Looks like I was wrong about you. I’m sorry for how I judged you earlier.” He offered his hand. “I doubt Paola will object. I’ll get the contract drafted and send it over soon. Looking forward to our ongoing collaboration p>
Rylie rose from her seat and shook his hand. “I’m looking forward to it too.” Meanwhile, Paola had just stepped out of the restroom, hoping to explain herself. As she neared Marcus’ lounge, she noticed the door was left slightly open. Inside, she saw Rylie and Spencer shaking hands. The words “looking forward to our ongoing collaboration” echoed in her ears, making her legs feel like jelly. She pushed the door open and burst in, her voice high with disbelief. “Mr. Aguilar! How could you do this to me p>
Both turned to face her. Her eyes were red, her makeup streaked from tears, and her breathing unsteady.
“I poured nights into that music. You told me this was ‘shot’!” Her hand shot out toward Rylie. “And now you want to team up with her? That melody was mine! She built that piece from my ideas! Doesn’t that make her a thief too p>