Chapter 147

Chapter 147:

“The gap is staggering. You can tell the pieces aren’t the same at all. She nailed every pause and shift. Rylie’s performance felt alive p>

“Paola’s version sounds like a watered-down copy p>

“No wonder it didn’t sit right with me earlier p>

Spencer stopped caring about how this would affect Paola’s image. He slapped the armrest in excitement. “That’s it! That’s the spark I’ve been looking for! No wonder something felt off. This version is exactly what the scene needs p>

The moment the final note vanished into the air, the room fell silent. Then, applause thundered through the hall.

Rylie stood with quiet poise. She leaned toward Paola and whispered softly, “When you took my sheet music, you didn’t realize I had made subtle changes. You didn’t even know what you were copying.” She tilted her head. “And you still have the nerve to call yourself a musician p>

Her voice stayed low, and the exchange remained between them. But Paola’s face turned ghostly. Her hands shook. The truth hit her like a wave. All her careful preparation had just been ripped apart by Rylie. Her big moment was ruined.

Trying not to fall apart, Paola forced a tight smile. She held the microphone and tried to sound composed. “Rylie, I must say — your playing was wonderful. Truly impressive.” She paused. “But may I ask — why did you play the original version I wrote p>

Her tone shifted. She was trying to claw back whatever pride she had left. “Mr. Aguilar’s film hasn’t come out yet. That piece wasn’t supposed to be heard in full. I made slight changes so the full version wouldn’t leak. How did you know how it was meant to sound p>

Rylie’s brow lifted. She was taken aback that Paola still had the gall to push the blame in her direction.

Marcus’ brows drew together as he stared at Paola. Her remarks hinted that Rylie had stolen the music she’d just performed. That didn’t sit well with him.

He was about to speak when Rylie took the microphone from Paola. She gave a faint smile and turned to Spencer. “So, that’s how it is? If what Paola said is true, she must have given you the final version. Then why were you so surprised just now p>

Every chapter lives on; comm

Spencer didn’t know what to say. The version Paola had submitted was the same one she had played earlier — Paola hadn’t made any adjustments. They had finalized it weeks ago. Now that she suddenly changed her story, it made the whole situation suspicious.

Should he defend her? His name had already been tied to Paola’s arrangement. If she were exposed as having copied someone else’s work or been dishonest, it could damage his film. Audiences were picky. A single scandal could ruin everything.

After a quick mental calculation, Spencer made his decision. He was going to say he was unaware when Paola suddenly interjected. “I haven’t informed Mr. Aguilar yet. This was mainly for promotional purposes p>

Rylie gave a soft laugh that peeled away whatever pride Paola had left. “You really didn’t think this through. If you’re going to steal, at least check for cameras first p>

She reached into her pocket, pulled out her phone, and handed it to her cousin. Keeping her voice low, she said, “Have a look. Can you explain what you’re doing in my bedroom p>