A few seconds ticked by before the melody came together-a tune instantly recognizable. Onstage, the judges, contestants, and audience members all exchanged startled glances.

The other competitors looked uncertain, their eyes darting toward Isabella Austin to gauge her reaction.

Isabella sat front and center in the first row, so all anyone could see was the back of her head.

Contestants' song choices were kept secret until their performance, and this was the first anyone learned what Emily Blair had picked.

To everyone's astonishment, Emily was playing *Love* the iconic piano piece composed by none other than Isabella Austin.

Why was Emily Blair performing Isabella Austin's signature piece?

Weren't those two on notoriously bad terms?

And here Emily was, playing it right in front of Isabella.

As Emily Blair lost herself in the music, the expressions in the room varied wildly.

The judges and fellow contestants kept their emotions under wraps for the sake of decorum, but Isabella's fans in the audience couldn't restrain themselves. Low voices hissed insults from the darkened rows.

"Emily Blair is shameless. How dare she touch Isabella's piece? Who does she think she is?"

"Isabella's music isn't for just anyone. Emily Blair should get off the stage before she embarrasses herself even more."

"Poor Isabella—she worked so hard on that piece, and now it's being tainted by someone like Emily Blair."

"Can't Emily write her own music? Did she just steal Isabella's because she knows real talent when she hears it?"

“Oh, let her try. With Emily's skill level, she'll only make a fool of herself attempting *Love*."

"I remember Emily once claimed this piece was plagiarized. Now she's using it in competition? Doesn't she have any shame?"

Isabella's practiced smile froze as she recognized the opening notes. Her gaze darkened.

She stared at Emily by the piano, suspicion growing in her mind.

Was this really *Love*?

Even from the very first bars, the resemblance was unmistakable.

But...

Isabella's hands clenched the fabric of her skirt.

Only she and Emily knew there was another possibility.

Vivian Martin's *Desire*.

Given how publicly Emily had once exposed Isabella's plagiarism, why would she ever play this song?

Isabella's eyes narrowed, her thoughts racing.

Was Emily about to repeat history? Just like at the school's anniversary concert all over again?

Isabella's breath caught; her heart pounded in her chest.

She watched Emily's calm, focused face.

No, Isabella told herself, shaking off her suspicions. No, that couldn't be.

This was the Starlight Piano Competition-one of the most prestigious events in the country. Every contestant who made it this far was known both here and abroad.

With so much at stake, why would Emily risk her future just to provoke her?

Besides, the vast majority of the audience were Isabella's fans. Emily wouldn't dare try anything here. And surely, Isabella wasn't the only one who had heard the audience's whispered jeers.

With that thought, Isabella managed to calm herself a little.

She turned her head, searching for reassurance.

Her gaze fell on Andrew Lane's profile-striking and flawless under the stage lights. Her heart skipped a beat, and her breathing quickened.

Leaning in, Isabella wrapped her slender arms around Andrew's, resting her cheek softly against his shoulder.

Her voice dropped to a gentle, intimate murmur. "Andrew, when the competition's over, let's take a trip together. What do you say?"

Andrew never failed to indulge her. Without hesitation, he replied, "Of course."

She whispered, "Are you sure? Doesn't your company keep you busy? Will you be able to get away?"

His voice was low and husky. "For you, I'll make time."

For you, I'll make time.

Warmth blossomed in Isabella's chest at his words.

A shy smile touched her lips. "Then let's go to Clarksville, okay? I've always wanted

to see the grasslands, but I never found the time. Now we finally have the chance. I want to go with you."