Chapter 31 The Audition
“I… how could I?” Isabelle suddenly choked up, unable to explain.
Finished
Nathaniel couldn’t take it anymore and stepped in to defend her. “Estella, don’t be so aggressive. What does this have to do with Isabelle? She’s not that kind of person.”
Estella knew Nathaniel always sided with Isabelle unconditionally. She let out a cold snort and didn’t say a word.
Seeing her reaction, Nathaniel felt a wave of frustration rise in his chest.
Estella didn’t want to waste any more time with them. She grabbed Jonathan and walked to another lounge.
Once Chase found out what happened, he fired Bernard on the spot.
Having lost his job, Bernard felt resentful and secretly called Isabelle.
Isabelle was about to compete when she saw his name on her phone. Annoyed, she picked up.
Over the line, Bernard grumbled, “Ms. Isabelle, I lost this job because of you. At my age, it’s hard to find work again–and even if I do, it won’t pay well. You’ve ruined my career.”
Hearing his tone, Isabelle sneered. “You want compensation? Didn’t I already give you a whole apartment? You’re the one who screwed it up. I haven’t even said anything.”
Bernard was done playing nice. He threatened, “Ms. Isabelle, hearing that really chills me to the bone. If you won’t help me, I’ll go straight to the press. I’ll spill everything. And when I do, you can forget about joining Chase’s orchestra.”
Although Isabelle was furious, she was also scared he’d talk and ruin her standing in Nathaniel’s eyes.
She took a deep breath before saying, “I’ll give you five hundred thousand. I’ll also get you a job at my brother’s company. That good enough? Now can you shut your mouth?”
Bernard was satisfied and immediately replied with a sycophantic laugh. “Don’t worry, Ms. Isabelle. I’ll take this to the grave. Not a word from me.”
Isabelle hung up, then chugged a large glass of water in anger.
Although she hadn’t managed to get Estella kicked out, she still didn’t believe Estella could beat her.
She had graduated from a prestigious university abroad and had won several international awards. The orchestra only had one spot–and she was going to take it.
The recruitment competition officially began, and Isabelle was near the top of the lineup.
When it was her turn, she walked gracefully onto the stage and played a full piece with polished skill.
Chase and the two other judges all agreed that her technique was flawless and gave her high praise.
Hearing their compliments, Isabelle couldn’t resist shooting Estella a smug look.
Estella’s face was calm, unmoved by any of it.
Seeing that only made Isabelle inexplicably angry.
When she stepped off the stage, Nathaniel walked up and praised her. “Isabelle, you were perfect. I’m sure your dream will
come true.”
Blushing, Isabelle replied, “There are a lot of talented contestants this time. I might not be chosen.”
“Don’t be modest, Isabelle. If I say you’ll make it, you’ll make it.”
Then, glancing over at Estella, who was still waiting nearby, he added with a mocking tone, “With someone like you going before her, I’m honestly worried Estella’s going to embarrass herself.”
Truthfully, he didn’t believe that after three years of staying home full–time, Estella could still have much skill on the piano.
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3:26 PM P P
Chapter 31 The Audition
Finished
The orchestra’s three judges were all nationally renowned musicians. If Estella got on that stage, they’d definitely find her lacking.
He blamed it on Estella’s ambition–she actually thought she could step onto an international stage.
If she had just gone home, cooked, and kept house, she wouldn’t be facing this humiliation now.
Estella waited a long time backstage before her name was finally called.
Three years ago, she had competed in several piano competitions.
Back then, she had been confident and never nervous.
But no
she didn’t know if she could still tap into that same feeling.
She took a deep breath and walked onto the stage. After bowing to the audience and judges, her eyes landed on Jonathan.
Jonathan gave her a gentle smile, silently cheering her on.
She nodded lightly at him, and the tension in her heart eased.
Nathaniel saw the look they shared and clenched his fist, his eyes filled with anger.
Estella slowly walked to the piano.
The moment her fingers touched the keys, her muscle memory kicked in–and she immediately lost herself in the music.
When her performance ended, she stood and bowed to the judges.
All three judges looked at her with faces full of approval.
Chase even gave her a glowing review.
During scoring, Chase gave her the highest mark.
When the competition ended, Estella’s score was two points higher than Isabelle’s–making her the winner of the entire audition.
Isabelle hadn’t expected to come in second. Her face was ashen,
Tears streamed down Her face as she looked at Nathaniel.
“Nathaniel… did I mess up? Why did they choose Estella over me?”
Nathaniel gently wiped her tears and comforted her. “Don’t worry. That spot is yours. I’ll convince Estella to give it up.
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