Chapter 1126:

Turning to see Jayden and Edward, she asked, “What were you two up to last night? You both slept until noon.”

Jayden looked at Edward, who was clearly embarrassed, and defensively blurted out, “Why are you staring at me? I don’t know what went on yesterday. I was in my room, just resting!”

Elyse gave Edward a brief look but chose not to press further. “I’m going to the ranch,” she said. “The owner invited me to a barbecue.”

“Thanks,” Elyse said, quickly walking to the car.

As they left, Anthony, watching from the window, turned to George and informed him, “Dad, they’re gone.”

George, lost in sorrow, continued to cry. Unable to watch his father suffer, Anthony approached and sat down opposite him. “Dad, what’s bothering you?” he asked with concern. “Is there something you can’t tell me?”

George wiped his tears and leaned back on the sofa, looking tired. After a long pause, he said, “Let that young lady come and talk to me tomorrow. There are some things I need to confirm with her.”

Anthony looked puzzled. “What do you need to confirm with her?”

George stared blankly into space, his thoughts drifting. “She can play ‘Valse Sentimentale’ and ‘Violin Concerto in E Minor’,” he said distantly.

Anthony grew more confused. “Just because she can play those pieces?”

George closed his eyes, beginning to rest.

Anthony continued, “I found out that Elyse won first prize at the recent Swan Cup. She’s a rising star in the music scene. She has a broad repertoire. What does knowing those two pieces prove?”

When Anthony mentioned the “Swan Cup,” George’s eyes briefly flickered open before closing again.

Anthony crossed his arms and laughed lightly. “Her instructor is Cody Tucker. You really like Cody, right? Why don’t we take this opportunity to get closer to Elyse? Maybe we’ll even meet the real Cody someday.”

“Cody?” George exclaimed, suddenly enthusiastic. “You mean her instructor is Cody Tucker? You’re not making this up, are you?”

Anthony’s expression twisted with confusion. “Why would I lie about something like this? It’s been all over the news. Do you think I’d make up such a thing?”

“Could it really be possible that…”

George stood up, his initial shock slowly turning into deep thought. He headed to his room and began digging through a stack of boxes. . . .