Chapter 276

Emily Blair swept into the room in a floor-length emerald gown, delicate fringe swaying with each step. The V-neckline framed her collarbones and slender shoulders just so, while slender straps curled over her skin and a gold belt cinched her waist, accentuating her lithe figure. Under the lights, her pale skin seemed to glow with a soft radiance, drawing more than a few glances her way.
From behind, Emily’s dress left her back almost entirely bare, revealing the elegant lines and subtle curves of her figure. Her long, midnight-dark hair fell in soft waves down her back, just brushing the twin wings of her shoulder blades. Her makeup was impeccable, highlighting a pair of striking hazel eyes that calmly swept over the room; words like “bright eyes, perfect smile” fell short of capturing her beauty.
She arrived later than most—by the time she stepped into the waiting area, nearly all the other finalists had already gathered.
The lounge was full of men and women dressed to impress, but the moment Emily entered, conversation faltered and heads turned, dazzled by her presence.
As awe flickered across their faces, muttered complaints followed: Was the world turned upside down today? Why wasn’t she in her usual jeans and t-shirt?
The Starlight Piano Competition had reached its final round, and every contestant had their sights set on the first prize, regardless of who their rivals were or how fierce the competition might be.
Emily’s show-stopping entrance left no doubt—she was here to win.
Her performance in the semifinals had already made waves, and now, in the minds of the other finalists, Emily Blair was a formidable threat.
But Emily herself wasn’t thinking about rivals or trophies. She dressed up for one reason: she wanted her appearance to be worthy of playing Vivian Martin’s “Desire.” She didn’t want to let the piece down, to make it seem humble or out of place.
So she’d rented the dress online-a splurge at $2,500 for just one night, arriving only the evening before.
It was the best she could offer for Vivian Martin’s masterpiece.
Across the room, Isabella Austin sat in the front row, tucked into a corner seat. The instant she spotted Emily’s gown, her expression hardened.
She, too, wore green that night-though the cut was different.
It wasn’t a complete fashion faux pas, but for Isabella, who prided herself on her taste and had always looked down on Emily, it was an annoyance she couldn’t ignore.
Especially after Emily had brazenly demanded five million dollars from her just two nights before.
With every glance, Isabella’s dislike grew.
But she quickly averted her gaze, chin tilting up with practiced poise.
She recognized the label of Emily’s dress-stylish, but hardly expensive. Her own gown was an exclusive piece from a high-end European house, hand-delivered by Andrew Lane’s people. Its price tag was in an entirely different league.
To Isabella, Emily was dust beneath her feet-the difference between a toad and a swan, not worth a second thought.
She lifted her chin higher, a cold smile playing on her lips.
It wasn’t just about the dress. The Starlight Piano Competition trophy was hers for the taking, and Emily Blair wouldn’t get so much as a taste of it.
Isabella tapped her fingers on the armrest, her mind already on the stage.
She had prepared for this finale for months, sifting through countless pieces until she finally paid a premium for the one that would surely dazzle the judges and audience alike.
Emily’s resistance was pointless.
While others weighed their chances and sized up the competition, Emily paid them no mind.
All she cared about was how many people would truly listen-how many would hear Vivian Martin’s “Desire” tonight.
As always, she slipped into a quiet seat in the corner.
The atmosphere was tenser than before; unlike the earlier rounds, the finalists barely spoke, each one lost in silent rehearsal, eyes closed, fingers twitching in memory of the music they would play.
Emily didn’t need to rehearse.
Every measure, every note of “Desire” was etched into her memory—her hands knew it as well as her heart.
Five minutes before the final began, the contestants were called up one by one to draw their performance order in front of the judges and a thousand eager spectators.
Perhaps fate was on Emily’s side-she drew the last slot.
Isabella was the first to perform.
Once every finalist had drawn their number, Isabella rose and strode onto the stage.