Chapter 49

The spotlight on stage was bright as daylight. Emily sat at the piano, her slender fingers gently resting on the keys. As the last note faded, the hall erupted into applause. Cheers and whistles filled the air. The judges whispered among themselves, and finally, one stood up to announce: Emily had taken first place. No one was surprised. After all, with Stella's coaching, Emily's skills had skyrocketed. Her technique and emotional depth left her peers in the dust. James looked absolutely smug. Ever since the Hart family unilaterally pulled out of their deal, he'd been holding a grudge. Now? Not only did his daughter win first place, but the one who helped her was Charles's woman. The irony couldn't have been sweeter. James shot a look at Charles, his expression full of smug disbelief and a hint of provocation. He turned to his assistant and said, "Go get Stella. She deserves some of the spotlight too." But the assistant came rushing back, looking panicked. "Chairman, it's bad. We've se