Chapter 1292:

With a frown wrinkling her forehead, Elyse raised a hand to silence Felicia’s rising temper. “Ms. Griffin is my guest. Why would you suggest she leave?”

Despite Celeste’s less-than-gracious behavior, Elyse understood the importance of tact. Dismissing Celeste outright, and by extension the Griffin family, carried no benefits.

Felicia’s expression faltered, her pride making an apology impossible. Elyse, taking control, stepped in front of her grandmother and moved toward Celeste with deliberate, composed steps.

“My grandmother tends to speak plainly. Please accept my apologies on her behalf,” Elyse said, her tone steady and respectful.

Celeste watched Elyse intently, her lips pressed into a firm line, her thoughts unreadable. After a moment, she spoke, her tone sharp. “Felicia’s temperament is no mystery to me. I will disregard this incident for your sake, but…”

Her voice thick with disdain, Celeste continued, “You must admit your own lack of skills and that your victory in the Swan Cup was not honestly won.”

The room erupted in murmurs of shock. Celeste’s reputation in the music world was immeasurable; her favor could elevate someone to stardom. Her blatant disrespect toward Elyse was already damaging, but to publicly question her talent?

Celeste’s words hung in the air, heavy with a subtle yet unmistakable threat to Elyse’s career. Elyse stood frozen, caught off guard by the accusation.

Even if Celeste had longstanding grievances with Cody and her father, it didn’t excuse this unwarranted attack.

“But with all due respect, I cannot agree. The Swan Cup was a result of my own effort and integrity,” said Elyse, her voice steady despite the tension.

“Really?” Celeste’s temper flared as she stood abruptly, her cane striking the floor with a sharp thud. “I gave you a chance to acknowledge your flaws and offered my guidance. Your refusal disappoints me. You will regret this decision.”

Without another word, Celeste turned and exited swiftly, leaving a stunned silence in her wake.

Felicia, her face flushed with anger, chased after her, her words cutting through the air. “How dare you, Celeste? Threatening my granddaughter? You will not tarnish Elyse’s good name without consequence!”

“Grandma!” Elyse’s voice quivered, a mix of surprise and bewilderment. Why had the disagreement between Felicia and Celeste escalated so quickly into such a fierce confrontation?

Pearce, equally shocked, stepped forward and gently held Elyse back to prevent her from intervening. Then, hurrying after Felicia, he tried to diffuse the situation before it spiraled further.

As Pearce restrained her, Felicia’s fury boiled over. She glared at Celeste’s retreating figure and turned to Pearce with fiery eyes. “Why are you holding me back? Celeste has crossed the line. I will not let her vile behavior go unchecked!”

Pearce whispered urgently, trying to calm her. “Grandma, this is supposed to be a celebration of Elyse’s return. Why start a conflict now with Celeste?”

“She attacked Elyse unprovoked. I cannot let her go unpunished!” Felicia said, her voice seething with determination.