Chapter 198
Chapter 198:
Novalee’s face was full of helplessness, her lips trembling. “They’ve… already taken the money p>
Paola casually adjusted her bag. “Funny timing — didn’t your brother need a hundred thousand for his wedding? Seems like fate p>
Defeated, Novalee pulled the sheet music from her bag with trembling fingers. She handed it over without a word, watching as Paola strutted away. The moment she disappeared, Novalee crumpled to the floor, tears spilling freely.
While passing by, Rylie overheard the quiet sobs echoing from inside. Curiosity piqued, she stepped in and quickly noticed the girl sitting in misery. Without saying much, Rylie knelt down and offered a clean handkerchief, her voice low and gentle. “What’s got you crying like this? Stage fright p>
Novalee glanced up, startled by the stranger’s deep voice, and her gaze landed on the mask. “Wait… this is the ladies’ room p>
Rylie had disguised herself as a man that day, her voice altered by the mask, which led to Novalee’s misunderstanding.
“I know exactly where I am. I heard someone crying and thought I’d check in. No need to be afraid.” She handed over the handkerchief and stepped back to give the girl space. “You’re here for the competition, right? Why aren’t you at the sign-in desk yet p>
Something about Rylie’s gentle tone softened Novalee’s guard. She dabbed at her tears and murmured, “I don’t stand a chance p>
Rylie tilted her head slightly. “How can you be so sure without trying p>
Novalee’s lips curved into a hollow smile. “The piece I spent sleepless nights writing… I can’t perform it anymore p>
Rylie’s brow creased as she caught the hidden weight behind Novalee’s words. In a calm tone, she asked, “And what about it p>
“There’s no way I can win.” Novalee lowered her head, shaking it slowly. “The winner’s already been decided p>
Kneeling down to meet her gaze, Rylie said steadily, “This competition comes with a million-dollar prize and a chance to perform on an international stage. It’s what every pianist dreams of p>
gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․c𝓸𝗆 brings imagination alive
Novalee’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.
Rylie gently brushed a tear-damp strand of hair from her face, her tone earnest. “I can promise you — this contest will be fair. But the question is… do you have the courage to fight for yourself? Your future belongs to you p>
Caught off guard by the steady, sincere look behind that mask, Novalee felt her heart thump uncontrollably. Almost without thinking, she gave a small, resolute nod.
As Paola was about to take the stage, Laurel held her hand and whispered, “Just stay calm in this second round. I’ve already made arrangements with the judges p>
Paola nodded, lifted her chin, and walked confidently onto the stage. She bowed to the black glass ahead and announced, “Hello everyone, I am contestant No. 34. I will now present my piece p>
Behind the glass, the judges couldn’t see the performers — only their music could be heard.
Rylie sat with the score sheet in her hand, spinning a pen between her fingers. After Paola finished two pieces, she gave a fair score. Not too high, not too low — right in the middle. But when the average scores appeared, hers was clearly lower than the rest.