Arrived 218

Estella’s ability as a music judge was initially doubted, but as the competition progressed, her professional and insightful comments impressed the other judges and music students alike. While the livestream audience, unfamiliar with her expertise, initially thought she might be acting, they soon recognized her genuine skill and respected reputation. Estella’s status as a talented and beautiful piano teacher quickly rose, attracting much attention.

Meanwhile, Isabelle was struggling with the Chunk family resort project, which was consuming her time and energy. Despite her hopes to enjoy a pampered life after her wedding, she found herself overwhelmed and frustrated by repeated rejections of her plans. In a moment of desperation, she even considered compromising her integrity to advance the project. When a friend sent her a link showing Estella serving as a judge at the competition—recommended by a teacher Isabelle knew—jealousy and anger washed over her.

Isabelle’s resentment deepened when she noticed Nathaniel, her fiancé, was actively supporting Estella during the livestream by sending gifts. Feeling betrayed and furious that Nathaniel was encouraging Estella’s success while she worked hard for his company, Isabelle decided to hold her anger in check until after their wedding and prenup were finalized. Unable to focus, she abruptly left a meeting and headed to a bar to drink, attracting unwanted attention from men because of her appearance and status.

At the same time, Nathaniel was captivated by Estella’s confident and radiant presence on the livestream. He was unsettled by how mesmerizing she was and worried about other men pursuing her, feeling possessive and protective. When Isabelle called him from the bar asking to be picked up, Nathaniel was annoyed and told her to come home on her own, showing his irritation and distraction with Estella’s success.

218 The Judge’s Seat

All at once, Estella’s ability was called into question.

The competition began, and the children went up one by one to perform.

As a judge, Estella gave comments each time that were just right, perfectly displaying her professional training.

The other four judges had assumed she was just some insider’s connection, but as they listened to her feedback, they realized she did have genuine skill.

The livestream audience, however, were mostly outsiders. They couldn’t understand Estella’s words, so they thought she might just be putting on an act.

But that misunderstanding didn’t last long.

Several music students commented that Estella’s critiques were extremely professional.

Others said Estella had been their senior at school, where she had always ranked first in her major and won multiple prestigious awards.

Estella’s reputation quickly turned around.

Many people started paying attention to the young and beautiful piano teacher.

Meanwhile, Isabelle was tearing her hair out over the Chunk family’s resort project.

She should have been happily preparing for her wedding, yet here she was, running herself ragged for Nathaniel’s career–spending money, spending time, exhausting herself.

She’d been sitting in endless meetings with the project team she had cobbled together, but every plan they produced was rejected.

It was disheartening.

Business was far harder than she had imagined.

All she had wanted was to live like a pampered princess–why was she torturing herself like this?

A reckless thought crossed her mind: maybe she should just sleep with Chris, the Chunk family assistant. Then maybe the project would go through.

Frustrated, she clawed at her hair. Just then, a friend sent her a message on WhatsApp.

“Isabelle, isn’t this Estella? Look, she’s actually a judge at a music competition! And it says she was recommended by a teacher. Weren’t you always close with that teacher? Why didn’t he recommend you instead, but picked Estella?”

Isabelle opened the link and nearly shook with rage.

She had once returned home intending to pursue music too. But for Nathaniel, she had abandoned that path.

She had believed with Isaac and Nathaniel supporting her, she didn’t need to work so hard–she could simply enjoy the rewards.

Now, seeing Estella shine in her profession, jealousy flooded her.

That seat on the judges‘ panel, that admiration from the crowd–it should have been hers.

Then she noticed the livestream comments. Someone was sending gift after gift, all tagged with messages of support for Estella.

She knew that account. She had seen it on Nathaniel’s phone…

It was him.

Fury seared through her.

Here she was breaking her back over projects for his company, while he sat there supporting Estella in a ivestream?

It made her want to explode.

She nearly called him to scream, but she held back.

No–if she was going to fight, it would be after the wedding. With that prenup signed, Nathaniel would be bound. No matter how badly she quarreled, he would never dare divorce her.

Even so, she was too angry to concentrate on the project any longer.

Snatching up her bag, she stormed out of the office.

The project manager came in holding a file, startled to see her leaving. “Ms. Monroe, where are you going? We still have a meeting coming up-”

What meeting? Have it without me,” Isabelle snapped, shoving past him and walking straight out.

The manager sighed. With such an irresponsible, clueless boss, how could they possibly win the Chunk amily bid?

sabelle headed to a bar to drink.

She slipped off her jacket, showing the black dress underneath.

Men approached in droves. She turned them all away, but more kept coming.

Her clothes screamed money; some men were drawn to her wealth, others to her looks.

Disgusted, Isabelle called Nathaniel, asking him to pick her up.

Nathaniel, meanwhile, was glued to the livestream. He hadn’t seen Estella in days, and now, watching her on screen–confident, radiant–he was entranced.

He had always known she was beautiful, but he hadn’t expected how mesmerizing she’d be when focused on her career.

The sight unsettled him.

Letting such a dazzling woman out into the world was dangerous.

Surely men would covet her, pursue her.

Estella should be kept at home, where only he could have her eyes.

The longer he watched, the more reluctant he was to look away.

Then Isabelle’s call came in.

She said she was at a bar and wanted him to come.

Nathaniel frowned, irritated.

He told her he was busy and to get herself home.

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This chapter delicately unravels the complex emotions swirling around Estella, Isabelle, and Nathaniel, highlighting the tension between personal ambition and relational loyalty. Estella’s poised professionalism and rising recognition contrast sharply with Isabelle’s growing frustration and jealousy, underscoring the sacrifices and internal battles each woman faces. Meanwhile, Nathaniel’s conflicted feelings expose the fragile dynamics of desire and control, as he grapples with both admiration and possessiveness toward Estella.

Amidst the professional challenges and emotional turmoil, the chapter paints a vivid picture of longing and restraint, where each character must confront their own vulnerabilities and desires. The subtle interplay of admiration, resentment, and unspoken tensions hints at the delicate balance between personal fulfillment and the ties that bind them, setting the stage for the unfolding drama that lies ahead.

Next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled emotions and shifting dynamics between Estella, Isabelle, and Nathaniel. As Estella’s star continues to rise, her newfound recognition and confidence may stir unexpected tensions, especially with Isabelle’s simmering jealousy and frustration boiling over. The contrast between Estella’s professional triumph and Isabelle’s personal struggles sets the stage for a collision of ambitions and desires that will test their relationships in unforeseen ways.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel’s conflicted feelings toward Estella’s independence and charm hint at a brewing internal struggle. His protective instincts clash with the reality of Estella’s growing presence outside his control, raising questions about how far he will go to keep her close. At the same time, Isabelle’s reckless desperation might lead her down a path that could complicate everything she’s trying to hold together. The next chapter will explore these emotional undercurrents, promising moments of tension, vulnerability, and choices that could redefine their futures.

Cedella

Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.