Emily Blair looked genuinely intrigued, her eyes sparkling with interest—a sight that made Isabella Austin grit her teeth in silent frustration.

Isabella's expression shifted ever so slightly before she snapped, "Stop spreading rumors. I never hired anyone. I trust the judging committee will get to the bottom of this and clear my name. Don't get ahead of yourselves."

After her nearby translator relayed the message, Mr. Parker's expression darkened, cycling through disbelief and irritation.

"Ms. Austin, we've thoroughly reviewed all the evidence. There's no doubt this entry was ghostwritten, and there's no changing that.”

Isabella's eyes narrowed, but then a sly little smile curled on her lips. Tilting her chin, she nodded for everyone to look toward the doors leading backstage.

They all turned as a group of sharply dressed organizers strode in, faces grave, moving with urgent purpose.

Mr. Parker recognized them immediately the senior officials from the competition committee—and instinctively moved to greet them.

But the group swept past him, ignoring both judges and contestants, and marched straight onto the stage. One of them grabbed the microphone so hastily that the speakers screeched with feedback.

Emily Blair stepped back.

She already knew what was coming.

Just as she expected, the first words from the committee chair echoed around the hall: “Ladies and gentlemen, we deeply apologize. Due to an oversight by our staff, Ms. Isabella Austin was falsely accused of using a ghostwriter. This has caused her significant harm, and we are truly sorry."

The official continued, “After a rigorous and thorough re-examination of all evidence, we have found no wrongdoing on Ms. Austin's part. Therefore, the decision to revoke her results is annulled."

"We hereby announce that the preliminary rankings remain unchanged-Ms. Isabella Austin is still our top contestant."

The auditorium erupted in astonished chatter.

A contestant who had only made it into the top ten because Isabella's score was previously nullified burst into tears and ran from the hall.

“Isabella Austin is innocent—what on earth happened?"

"I told you all, you were just jealous! I knew it-Isabella would never do something like that. She's too talented to need anyone else's help.”

"How do you know?"

"I've been a fan of Isabella's for eight years. I came here just to see her. I know her character. Honestly, it's always the same nasty people trying to bring her down. This isn't even the first time. Years ago, they pulled the same stunt—like a bad penny, always turning up."

"Who are you talking about?"

"Who else? Emily Blair. Haven't you heard what happened five years ago at the Starlight Piano Competition?"

"No, what happened? Tell us!"

"It was Emily Blair who—"

"No way. You're kidding!"

Rose Ward's face had gone pale.

Mr. Parker, upon hearing the translation, exploded cursing loudly in English, his voice carrying above the din.

"This is outrageous! We reviewed the evidence thoroughly-there was more than enough to disqualify Isabella Austin. How could this have changed?"

Isabella let out a long, relieved sigh, her face breaking into a contented smile.

"Mr. Parker, the committee has made their statement. There's no point in arguing— you're starting to sound like the one spreading rumors."

Mr. Parker's face was stone-cold. "You pulled strings behind the scenes, Ms. Austin. I was wrong about you."

Isabella met his stare, her tone icy. "You misunderstood me, and you still won't admit it."

He glared at her, then stormed off to confront the officials. Predictably, they brushed him off, claiming they couldn't understand his English, and waved him away dismissively.

Rose Ward could barely get the words out: "How could this happen? This isn't how it was supposed to go. Why?"

Emily Blair stood there, surprisingly composed, her expression barely shifting.

Isabella cradled her trophy, walking over with a knowing smile. “Emily, disappointed? You're still the runner-up, and I'm still the champion.”

Before Emily could reply, Rose Ward barged forward, voice trembling with fury.

"Isabella Austin, have you no shame? You and I both know what really happened. Do you really think you deserve that trophy?"

Isabella gave a soft, mocking laugh, her eyes a mix of pity and disdain.

"Why shouldn't I? The committee cleared my name the trophy's mine, fair and square,” she replied coolly. "And you? Sorry, I don't believe we've met."

Rose was shaking with rage. "You're unbelievable, Isabella Austin. Absolutely shameless."

“Enough,” Emily cut in, her tone even, her gaze steady on Isabella.

"Mrs. Lane, this round goes to you."

Isabella's smile widened into a victorious grin. "Emily, you know how to pick your battles-much better than Rose."

Emily didn't answer. She just took Rose firmly by the wrist and led her out of the hall.

Once outside, Rose ran her hands through her hair, nearly frantic. "Why did it turn out like this? I had all the evidence we needed-enough to get Isabella disqualified. Why did the committee change their minds at the last minute?"

She dropped her hands, eyes burning with anger. "I need to go back and demand an explanation."

"Don't bother. It's pointless," Emily said flatly.

Rose's composure shattered. "Why is it pointless? Why?"

Compared to Rose's meltdown, Emily seemed almost detached—an outsider watching someone else's drama.

"Isabella pulled some strings," Emily said quietly. "You can go back and argue all you want, but no one's going to listen."