Chapter 211
Chapter 211:
The host, fully aware of the potentially disastrous implications of such allegations, stammered, “Could there possibly be some misunderstanding? Our competition is unquestionably fair! Nobody could bribe their way into the finals. In fact, Miss Owen isn’t even listed among the three finalists.”
With tears streaming down her face, Paola cried, “Then why is she here in the finals? Rylie, haven’t I already suffered enough? All I’ve ever wanted is the chance to prove myself. Must you completely destroy me? All I desire is to fulfill my dream!”
Paola’s sorrowful accusation and vulnerable beauty began to sway the audience, whispers of doubt spreading like wildfire.
“I’ve seen clips online. This Rylie bullied Paola before.”
“Seems she’s done this multiple times. Paola originally composed that piece as a gift for Spencer, but Rylie stole it and claimed credit.”
“But at Marcus’ concert, I heard Rylie play. Her skill is undeniably superior to Paola’s.”
“Piano isn’t just about skill — originality matters, plagiarism is unacceptable.”
The murmurs grew louder. Isabella pointed accusingly at Rylie, adding vehemently, “Behind that socialite facade, she’s devoid of genuine talent! She never even played piano before! Her performance today must’ve been rigged by the judges. She’s simply here to boost her social status alongside Novalee. You’re nothing but a hypocrite, Rylie!”
Just as chaos threatened to overwhelm the stage, Rylie suddenly smirked and burst into laughter. Her clear, confident laughter instantly silenced the confusion, capturing everyone’s bewildered attention.
Paola and her friends stared, dumbfounded, unable to comprehend how Rylie could laugh at a moment like this.
Then, with deliberate calmness, Rylie began clapping softly.
“Marvelous performance, Paola. You almost fooled everyone.”
Paola was dumbstruck, unable to make sense of Rylie’s actions — she seemed completely unfazed by the tension, as if the chaos around her didn’t concern her in the slightest.
Your favorite tales live at gⱯlnσν𝒆𝓁s．𝒄𝓸𝓂
Rylie casually lifted her hand and unbuttoned her jacket, revealing the work ID hanging from a lanyard around her neck. With unhurried ease, she removed it and handed it over.
“Paola, no matter what I say, you won’t believe me. But these words should clarify things nicely. Read them aloud for everyone, won’t you?”
Rylie’s tone was gently mocking, her eyes gleaming with the satisfaction of a hunter cornering her prey.
Paola’s hands shook as she accepted the ID, eyes widening in shock at the golden-embossed lettering: “Special Guest Judge.” Her face paled, her makeup unable to hide the sudden loss of color.
“Special Guest Judge…” Her voice was barely audible, strained through clenched teeth.
Paola was utterly shaken, never in her wildest dreams anticipating Rylie would be anything but a judge. How was that even possible? Damn it!
“Louder, Paola,” Rylie urged gently, leaning forward slightly with a graceful smile. “Let everyone clearly hear my role here today.”