Chapter 15

“So she used a shortcut. No wonder she thinks she’s a hot shot.” “Stop it, she heard you.” “So what if she did…” Isla looked at Ava flatly while listening to the murmurs around her. A light smile appeared on her face. It was merely a look, but it automatically intimidated Ava so much that she dared not look straight into her eyes. She could not believe that she was afraid of Isla, who was such a useless woman! “Since you think it’s unfair, let’s compare our talent.” Isla spoke as if nothing had happened. “The result hasn't been announced yet, right?” One of the judges wiped the cold sweat on his forehead and quickly said, “Not yet.” “Since the result hasn’t been announced, then the audition hasn't ended. What’s wrong with me participating in the audition?” “Of course you can participate.” Mr. Theo spoke. “I am the one who invited Ms. Isla. If there’s nothing else, you can start.” Theo was obviously siding with Isla since he said that. Nobody dared to say anything else. However, more eyes were judging her now. They could not help but guess who she was. After all, some people did not know her. Ava clutched her skirt, which was covering her knees. She stared at Isla, her eyes filled with hatred and jealousy. Why did Isla steal her thunder every time she showed up? If it was not for her, she would be the female lead by now! That b*tch! There was a black piano on the stage, so Isla walked over to it and sat down. She began to play after adjusting the chair. Her slender, fair fingers leaped on the black and white keys quickly, playing beautiful music. People were indulging themselves, getting pulled into her music. Zac was initially leaning on the chair lazily. At that moment, he widened his eyes and looked at the young woman on the stage with his undivided attention. Admiration filled his eyes. Isla was lost in playing, so she did not notice people stopping outside the room, peeping at this beautiful moment. Noah had an unfathomable emotion flashing through his eyes as he watched Isla on the stage. She was wearing a baby blue dress today, and her curly dark hair was bouncing as her arms moved. She was the kind of woman who had big features, but she did not look flirtatious at all. She was more like a cool girl, and the elegant piano made her look exquisite. She was precious. A thought popped into Noah’s head at that moment. Without knowing why, he recalled the flirty Isla from that night. She had been like a charming little fox. So seductive… She was such a goddess. Perhaps god had sent her to torture him. Noah smirked, but only for a second. He then turned cold again and left the room. In the room, everyone had their eyes on Isla. They seemed like they had walked into an imaginary, romantic rose garden as they indulged in the music. A young lady wearing a dress was walking through a forest of roses, and it was such a beautiful immersive experience. Everyone was enjoying themselves so much that they could not snap back to reality when she was done with her performance. Loud applause only broke out after about 20 seconds. Zac raised the scoreboard almost instantly. 10 points. Ava’s face became distorted. She then saw the remaining four judges give Isla full marks. She broke her nail from gripping the chair, the sound crisp. “Thank you all for acknowledging my effort. Thank you.” Isla thanked them courteously while smiling. She then slowly looked at Ava. The latter almost crushed her teeth from clenching them too hard. Someone close to her complimented Isla. “I didn’t expect her to be so good. I thought she only got this audition through her connections.” “Look at her. She could totally go to the Imperial College of Music, couldn’t she?” “Given her good looks and skills, she’ll definitely get the role for Delusion of a Rose.” Delusion of a Rose was Zac’s new song. It was said that the famous lyricist Mark Thompson had written it in memory of his first love. There was a long piano solo in the song, and she remembered that only a skilled pianist could perfect it. In her previous life, for some reason, Mark had asked Gilded Times to replace Ava after she had been selected, threatening that he would terminate his contract otherwise. It was Isla who had gone to see Mark and gotten this opportunity for Ava. That was when she had found out that Delusion of a Rose had been created for her mother. The older male judge looked at Isla again with doubt on his face. He said something to the person next to him, while the rest looked at her at the same time. She stood there quietly, keeping an elegant smile on her face. The male judge looked at her and smiled gently. “Isla, is it? I’m sorry to be rude, but may we know who your mother is?” Her mother? All the people present were stunned. They felt confused. Isla answered with a smile, “Gracie Fowler.” Someone inhaled sharply. The female judge, who had been quiet, gave her an excited smile. “So you’re her daughter. No wonder you can play so well. I’m her loyal fan. I went to her show in Eskos. It’s too bad that she retired after getting married–” “You saw her live at least. I didn’t have the chance. It’s a regret of mine.” “Too bad…” Isla felt sad to hear the sympathy in everyone’s voices. So there were people who still remembered her mother. She was not forgotten. She felt proud to be her daughter. Seizing the opportunity, Theo explained, “Only the few people here who majored in piano know how big the name Gracie Fowler is. She was the first Acian to play at Lindt Center in New Shire. She’s known both nationally and internationally. “I saw her young mother in her when she played. She deserves to be the female lead.” It was Mark who had suggested getting Gracie’s daughter to take the role. He had been worried that Isla would only be a poser and had not expected her to really have the skills. At that moment, all eyes were on Isla. Some were filled with envy and admiration, but there were some jealous and hateful stares too. In the waiting area, Ava stared at that beautiful face as she almost tore her skirt from gripping it too hard. Just like that, Isla had taken what she wanted like taking candy from a baby. Why did she always get all the good stuff? Why could she not compare to that b*tch? It was unfair! She did not want to yield!