Chapter 7 Lisa, Get Out Here!
In an instant, the entire atmosphere in the studio shifted. Everyone’s expressions darkened.
They had spent the entire afternoon working tirelessly to recover the losses caused by the previous leaked lead single. But now, just as they had finally pulled everything together, they were being told that someone had beaten them to the punch. That all their hard work had been for nothing
Julius’s face turned grim. His fists were clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. It took everything in him to keep hus composure as he asked in a low voice, “What the hell happened?”
A staff member nervously handed him a tablet, their voice trembling. “L–look–this was just posted on Spotify ten minutes ago. Riley released a new song, and it’s almost identical to the one we just recorded! If we release ours now, we’ll be accused of plagiarism….
Julius’s expression darkened as he pressed play.
Riley Joy was a rising star who had only emerged in the past two years. Rumor had it that he came from a powerful background, and the major music platforms all seemed to favor him. Backed by a professional team, he had skyrocketed to fame in a short time, gaining a massive fanbase. He had even reached the point where he could go head–to–head with industry veterans like Julius
Though Julius’s fans often looked down on Riley, his rapid rise and constant involvement in dramas made him a hot topic. It made them feel threatened.
Music poured from the speakers the next moment. The arrangement was slightly different, but the melody and lyrics were at least 80% identical.
Everyone in the room had a solid musical background, and the more they listened, the uglier their expressions became. The remaining 20% of the difference between the versions was obvious. Riley’s version was better. The lyrics were more refined and the composition was more captivating. Compared to it, Julius’s recording felt like a discarded draft of Riley’s polished hit.
Irene croaked. “We fell into a trap.
Everyone turned to her in confusion.
She continued with a frown. This is definitely Riley’s doing. We were desperate for a lead single, and just when Julius got his hands on this song. Riley released his version ten minutes earlier–catching us completely off guard before we could even
react
Her gaze locked onto Julius. “Julius, are you absolutely sure this song came from your sister?”
Julius scoffed angrily. “You think Tiffany would betray me? She’s my sister–she’d never do something like that!
Julius, calm down. I’m not saying she did it on purpose, Irene said. “I’m just asking–could she have been deceived?”
Julius snatched his coat and strode toward the door. I’ll ask her myself.”
“What about the album?”
Julius’s voice was ice–cold. “What album? We don’t even have a lead single anymore! Say whatever you want to the public. You could say that I’m sick or there’s a problem with the album at the last minute. Do whatever it takes to keep the fans pacified. In the meantime, find someone who can write a song. Buy it no matter the price!”
Irene hesitated. “But at such short notice, the quality-
They had already been hesitant about this option.
Julius’s reputation in the industry was too high. Countless eyes were on him every day. If the anniversary album of a music legend turned out to be mediocre, he would be ridiculed endlessly.
To make matters worse, Irene had been trying to convince him to dip has toes into variety shows. They were e
easy, profitable,
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Chapter 7 Lisa, Get Out Here!
+5 Free Coins
and great for gaining new fans. If his album flopped and jumped suddenly into variety shows, people would inevitably assume he had failed in the music industry and was switching lanes out of desperation.
That would be a career–killing move.
It wasn’t a choice for him to release the album as planned either. With Riley getting his version out first, it would be impossible to justify their stance.
Irene sighed heavily as Julius stormed out of the studio, heading straight for Olsen Mansion.
“Julius?” Tiffany was in the kitchen preparing a nutritious meal for her puppy when she looked up and saw Julius standing in the doorway. Her face lit up with surprise. Julius? Why are you back so early? I thought you’d be busy all day with the album. release!”
Julius fixed his gaze on her and pulled out the stack of manuscripts. “Tiffany, tell me–where did this song really come from?”
he croaked..
Tiffany’s heart skipped a beat
Had he figured out something?
A thousand thoughts raced through her mind in an instant. After a brief hesitation, she asked carefully. “Why, Julius? Did something happen to the song?”
Julius raked a hand through his hair in frustration. Ten minutes before my album was supposed to drop, Riley released the exact same song–but a finished version, not the rough draft I had?”
Tiffany’s eyes widened.
“My manager thinks you and Riley set me up”
“What? No!” Tiffany panicked. Julius, I would never do that to you! I swear, I have no idea why Riley has that song, but I never meant to hurt you!”
Julius gripped her shoulders tightly and looked her straight in the eyes. “Then prove it. Show me all your handwritten drafts for the song. Then tell the world you wrote it–that Riley is the real plagiarist.”
Tiffany’s pupils shrank
He wants me to stand in front of the public? I don’t even know how to compose music. I will be exposed in no time!
Julius’s voice softened. Tiffany, I hate to put this on you, but I’m in a tough spot. This album is crucial for my career. Please- just show the drafts and record a statement. That’s all I ask,”
Tiffany had no drafts to show.
Her eyes darted around nervously for ideas.
Going to Lisa for help is out of the question–Julius is standing right here. If I’m going to be caught anyway, then I might as well go all in-
“Julius, I’m sorry. Tiffany sobbed. “I lied to you. I didn’t write that song.
Julius’s expression turned ice cold.
His jaw tightened “Did Riley’s people trick you?”
“No! It’s not like that Tiffany said quickly: “Yesterday, I was struggling to write something. I couldn’t come up good. Then Lisa happened to stop by. She saw me working and said she had a song. I thought it was incredible when 1 skimmed through it, so I begged her to let you use it. I was planning to pay her generously
anything
At the mention of Lasa’s name, Julius let out a scornful laugh. That bitch just handed it over like that without demanding anything from you?”
Tiffany shook her head “Nothing She only asked for one thing–that you never find out the song came from her. That’s why
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