Chapter 298

Isabella Austin suddenly averted her gaze and looked straight into Arianna George’s
camera.
Across the screen, Emily Blair and Isabella locked eyes.
“Emily, are you watching?” Isabella said, her voice steady. “This apology, more than anyone, belongs to you. I should have explained things sooner and saved you all this worry and exhaustion. But I want you to know, our goals are the same. I want the world to see Vivian, just as much as you do.”
“I sincerely hope you can forgive me. And I truly hope you take home the championship trophy. It belongs to you.”
Emily’s eyes glittered with sarcasm.
This was Isabella’s signature move-acting vulnerable, feigning generosity, playing the victim to win sympathy.
Yet, for all her transparent theatrics, Andrew Lane and the others seemed blind to it. The moment Isabella shed a tear or looked aggrieved, they rushed to comfort her, piling everything at her feet while kicking Emily into the mud.
Arianna George picked up the microphone, her tone grave. “Isabella Austin, on behalf of the Starlight Piano Competition committee, I’m formally asking for your decision. Are you certain you want to forfeit your first-place ranking in the finals?”
“I’m sure,” Isabella replied. “Please award the trophy to the contestant who truly deserves it.”
Arianna’s voice grew sterner. “I hope you’ve thought this through. First place in the Starlight Piano Competition isn’t just a title—you know what it means. If you walk away now, you’re turning your back on countless opportunities. I’ll ask one last time do you really want to give up your victory?”
Isabella answered, “Ms. George, esteemed judges, I’ve spent all night thinking about this. I’ve had the privilege of studying at the Siana Conservatory of Music in the States, received a wonderful education, and had countless opportunities. I’ve participated in major competitions and won my share of awards. In all honesty, I believe other contestants need this trophy more than I do.”
“My mind is made up. Please, don’t try to change it. Thank you.”
Arianna nodded. “Very well. Since you’re voluntarily withdrawing, we’ll move the other winners up accordingly.”
She cleared her throat and read out the new list. “The new first-place winner: Emily Blair. Second place
Suddenly someone shrieked, “Oh my God, I’m third?! I’m actually third-I made it to the podium!”
As Arianna continued to announce the results, Isabella smiled quietly, set the trophy back on the piano with an air of ease, gathered up the hem of her dress, and descended the stage with calm dignity.
A ripple of excited chatter swept through the audience.
No one had expected things to turn out this way.
Isabella Austin had willingly given up the championship trophy she’d already won- and handed it graciously to Emily Blair, her longtime rival.
After all, this was the Starlight Piano Competition. Whoever was crowned the winner would be catapulted into the spotlight-doors would open, offers would pour in. For a pianist, it was the kind of prize that could change the course of a career overnight.
And Isabella had just handed it over as if it were nothing.
Such selflessness, such disregard for personal gain—people in the crowd couldn’t help but be moved.
Just moments ago, many had doubted Isabella’s explanation for the Vivian Martin incident. Her words had sounded like excuses, a desperate attempt to cover up accusations of plagiarism.
But now, seeing her relinquish the championship so easily—who could believe she’d ever stoop to stealing someone else’s composition for a moment’s applause? It would make no sense at all.