Chapter 104:

Elyse sensed underlying sarcasm in Vicky's words. She arched an eyebrow and replied, "I never claimed to be the best, but I'd relish the chance to compete with you."

Vicky tilted her chin slightly, her voice dripping with pride. "I'm ready anytime."

Ultimately, Elyse opted out of the television station's event, choosing instead to concentrate on the next phase of the selection process. She suspected someone at the station had orchestrated the previous night's incident.

Elyse pondered why Barnes Reed would target her; she'd never interacted with him. Her confusion lingered until noon, when the truth emerged.

Jayden called, explaining, "I've got it. Barnes Reed claimed you volunteered to sleep with him, hoping to strengthen the connection between the local TV station and the orchestra."

Elyse's anger flared. "How is that possible? I've never even met or spoken to him. How could he fabricate such lies?"

"I suspected as much, so I had it investigated. It turns out the account impersonating you belongs to Kaelyn."

"Kaelyn Bennett?" Elyse paused, stunned. "Why would Kaelyn engage in such absurd antics?"

"The bodyguards mentioned paparazzi stationed at the hotel entrance this morning. After questioning them, it was clear the photographers hoped to snap pictures of you and Barnes supposedly together," Jayden continued calmly. "She's trying to tarnish my reputation," Elyse finally realized Kaelyn's motive.

"I'll fill you in on the rest after you're done with work."

With the call ended, Elyse returned to the studio. Theo sat in his office, his gaze fixed on the beautiful woman lounging on the sofa; his expression was sour.

"Kaelyn, haven't I made it clear you shouldn't visit my company to see me? Don't you understand?"

Removing her sunglasses, Kaelyn replied playfully, "It's been so long since we've seen each other. I miss you."

Theo massaged his forehead. "I've been swamped with work lately and haven't had much time to spend with you. I'm sorry."

"I know you're busy, which is why I came."

Kaelyn shed her coat, prominently displaying her figure. She wore a delicate slip dress that looked as if it might tear at any moment.

"Just the other day, Elyse participated in the variety show I hosted."

Theo stopped and looked up as Kaelyn moved closer. She added, "The station director, Barnes Reed, is a notorious playboy. Elyse slept with him to boost her opportunities."

Clutching his pen, Theo demanded, "Do you have proof? You shouldn't make such accusations without evidence."

"If you doubt me, why not ask her yourself?" Kaelyn retorted.

A flash of anger crossed Kaelyn's eyes. Barnes hadn't appeared at the TV station today, nor had the paparazzi delivered any incriminating photos of Elyse. Clearly, someone had protected her.

Kaelyn had hoped to expose Elyse's supposed infidelity and tarnish her reputation, but her plans had been thwarted. For the first time, Kaelyn realized Elyse's fortunes had improved since her marriage to Jayden; Kaelyn no longer had the same control over her.

Yet, it didn't matter who Elyse had been with—as long as Theo believed she had been with another man. Kaelyn was determined that Theo shouldn't continue to hold affection for Elyse.

After a tense pause, Theo commanded coldly, "Get out."

Just as she began unbuttoning her dress, Theo's harsh directive stopped her. Her composure wavered, and she asked anxiously, "Why are you sending me away? I can be here for you, just like Elyse was."

Theo lifted his gaze and stated icily, "I've made it clear you shouldn't visit me here at work. Even Elyse has never come to the company to see me."

Kaelyn's expression flickered before she softened her tone. "Theo, we need to talk seriously. Now that Elyse is married, perhaps we can pick up where we left off."

Theo's frown deepened. "Our story ended long ago. Do you think my kindness means I still have feelings for you? Remember how you treated me in the past. I merely pity you and try to ease the burden of someone suffering from depression."

Kaelyn shook her head, forcing a smile. "That can't be true. I must have upset you just now, and you said those things in the heat of the moment."

Feigning calm, she took Theo's hand and said soothingly, yet with a hint of desperation, "I'm going now. Please don't be upset."

Unable to meet his eyes, Kaelyn quickly realized how distant he had become. She grabbed her purse and hurried out. As the office door closed behind her, Theo replayed Kaelyn's words in his head. Elyse had slept with another man. Regardless of who it was, it had happened.