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 . 1/2 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 . Send Gifts