Chapter 88

"The entire high society is watching now. Not just me-Paola is under the spotlight too." Rylie smiled."Ever since I came back quietly, those who know who I really am believed I didn't belong in the Owen family.I used to think family matters didn't need the world's opinion. But I overlooked one thing - my brothers' and grandfather's pride. As an Owen, I have to show the world that I, Rylie, am just as remarkable."

Her words stirred something deep in her brothers and grandfather.

Deandre,though still unsure, stepped forward first. "So, Rylie, what do you plan to do?"

"I'm signing up for the famous Wesdown International Piano Competition. Registration for our national division opens tonight," Rylie answered calmly.

Deandre, uninterested in music, blinked in confusion."What's that?"

"It's one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world. Held every four years,"Marcus explained.He then looked puzzled. "But it's not time yet. How do you know registration is open?"

Rylie smiled faintly. "I saw it online. Registration begins at 8 PM."

Marcus frowned and shook his head. "That's not possible. The Wesdown competition is strict with timing.Registration never opens early. And with how confidential they are, even prep work is kept under wraps.Rylie, you might've seen fake news."

"I'll have the PR team clear up the rumors," Felix added.

"There's no need." Rylie glanced at the clock."Let's just wait till eight."

Seeing how sure she was, her brothers didn't argue. They adored her, and if anything went wrong, they were ready to back her up.

What they didn't know was that Rylie, under her identity as X. Aria, had made one phone call that changed the entire competition schedule.

At exactly 8 PM....

The official Wesdown website released full details-the competition date, venue, registration process, and awards-exactly as Rylie had said.

Marcus' eyes widened. He gripped the edge of his tablet tightly.

"The portal is really open," he muttered, refreshing the page to be sure it wasn't a prank.

Next to him, Deandre noticed his reaction and leaned in. A smile broke across his face. "Rylie was right."

"This doesn't make sense. Even the President wouldn't get anything out of those music elites. They never leak information, let alone release it early," Marcus said, still stunned.

Felix took a sip of wine and smiled. "Marcus, girls are allowed to keep secrets. If she doesn't want to say more, just let it be. As long as she's happy,that's what matters."

Marcus rubbed his forehead. "I know we all revolve around Rylie, but it feels like she doesn't just know the organizers-she's deeply involved with them."

"Maybe. Who knows? Tell me, how good is Rylie's playing? I only know it sounds nice, but I can't tell who plays better," Deandre said.

"She's a natural," Marcus said honestly.

Felix chuckled, and Marcus shot him a look. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing," Felix replied, covering his mouth. "Just remembered the hospital staff once said the same thing.Back then, they said Rylie was born to be a doctor."

Deandre let out a sigh. "She really is a genius. So, what are we even worried about?"

Meanwhile, as fake videos about Rylie continued to spread online, the Owens' silence confused the public.People began to wonder if she truly wasn't favored. If she was, why weren't the Owens speaking up or trying to erase those videos online?

Laurel had been keeping an eye on the Owen family's reaction. She believed trouble might be coming and had already prepared a counterplan.

Paola, who had once been tricked badly, grew uneasy. "Mom, do you think Rylie's setting another trap for us?"

Laurel thought for a while,then smiled with confidence."Devin has always been reliable. The Owens probably hired experts to verify the videos. They must've confirmed that the one online is real and the one Rylie showed was fake. That's why they're disappointed in her."

Paola's eyes lit up. "So what should we do next?"

Just then, Isabella called, her tone light and mocking. "Paola, did you hear Rylie's latest joke?"

Paola glanced at Laurel before replying."NO,I've been practicing piano. Haven't kept up with gossip. What did Rylie do now?"

"The Wesdown International Piano Competition has opened registration for our division. I saw Rylie's name on the website."

Paola looked shocked. She turned to check the calendar. "But isn't that held every four years? It's not time yet."

Isabella replied, "Exactly. But the organizers suddenly decided to hold the competition early, catching all of us off guard. Paola, are you planning to register too? Winning a prize in that competition has always been yourdream," Isabella said.

Paola's heart skipped. Winning at Wesdown meant joining the ranks of the best pianists. She might not reach Marcus' global fame, but at home, she'd finally be respected. Still...