Chapter 634

Ever since leaving Riven, it felt like someone had knocked the nonsense straight out of Emily Blair’s head. Tristan Davis’s words barely registered with her—she just assumed he was being his usual cryptic self, and never once did her thoughts travel down the path he’d hoped for.
Emily Blair: [No matter how busy you are lately, make sure you see a psychiatrist. Come back to work for me after you’ve recovered.]
Tristan Davis: [You’re so heartless. I’m deeply wounded.]
Emily stared at the screen for a long moment, her finger hovering over her phone as
if she couldn’t bring herself to fire off another retort. Finally, with a resigned sigh, she tapped out her reply.
Emily Blair: [Shouldn’t someone have confiscated your phone by now? How are you still texting me?]
Tristan Davis: [That’s why I can only sneak in a few messages. I have to log off soon.]
Emily Blair: [Alright, goodbye.]
Tristan Davis: [Aren’t you even going to try to keep me? It’s been ages since we last saw each other.]
Emily Blair (cold as ice): [No.]
Tristan Davis: I hope you remember how cold and heartless you’re being right now.]
Emily Blair: [Heh.]
By the time the competition was about to start, the ballroom’s competitor section was packed. The entire hall had fallen silent, everyone’s eyes fixed on the stage.
Emily glanced down at her phone one last time, then looked to her right. Her gaze met Rose Ward’s. They exchanged a small nod.
The venue was massive, and it took her a while to spot Isabella Austin-she was sitting in the front few rows, off to the right.
The seating order had been determined by a random draw that matched the performance order. Out of the three of them, Isabella Austin would be the first to take the stage.
Not that the order mattered much.
This was a major international event. Contestants from all over the world watched each other’s performances closely. The stakes were far higher than at the Starlight Piano Competition; the standards were ruthless, and the panel of judges had been handpicked from past winners of prestigious competitions.
In such a setting, plagiarism was unforgivable.
If the evidence was solid, there was no second chance. The contestant would be immediately disqualified, thrown out of the hall, and their name posted for all to see on the competition’s official social media accounts.
Emily had no intention of interrupting Isabella’s performance mid-way, nor did she plan to expose her onstage while she or Rose were playing.
Mr. Parker, a special guest judge, sat at the far end of the judges’ table.
He had voting rights, but his score only counted for a meager 0.5% of the total—a token gesture, really.
At events like this, with so many ambitious competitors, secret reports and anonymous tips were inevitable.
Mr. Parker’s main responsibility was to handle these reports and investigate any potential cases of plagiarism.
Rose Ward was the first of their group to perform.
As Rose walked onstage, Emily kept her eyes trained on Isabella Austin, watching every flicker of her expression.
The moment Isabella’s face registered shock and disbelief, something inside Emily felt deeply satisfied.
Isabella had no idea Rose would be competing.
It must be excruciating to watch the very person who’d ghostwritten your piano piece step onto that stage.
So Emily watched Isabella the entire time Rose performed, savoring every nuance of her reaction.
It was a sight to behold.
Emily had no doubt that if this weren’t such a high-profile competition, Isabella would have stormed the stage and confronted Rose in front of everyone.
But with so many eyes on her, Isabella could only grit her teeth and watch Rose finish her performance unscathed.
Emily waited—it felt like waiting out a whole conversation with Tristan-before Isabella’s name was finally called.
Truth be told, Emily was nervous.
She had no idea if Isabella had another ghostwriter lined up, or if she’d still dare to use Rose’s piece.