chapter 70

Lyla stepped outside, inhaling the cool evening air as she tried to clear her mind. The competition had been intense, and Emily's request to talk had lingered at the back of her mind.

She turned at the sound of approaching footsteps. Emily had followed her out, her expression conflicted.

For a moment, Emily hesitated, shifting on her feet as if debating whether to speak. Then, she took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry, Lyla." Her voice was softer than usual, almost uncertain. "I never realized my ignorance could lead to the company snatching your song."

Lyla remained silent, watching as Emily gathered her words.

"I talked to my father," Emily continued. "He told me he didn't give much thought before handing me the list of songs. He only realized later that one of them had already been chosen by someone else."

Lyla's jaw tensed slightly. That was it? Just carelessness?