Chapter 1331:

“Such arrogance. But what will you do when your talent fails you? Will you quit the music industry?”

A stunned hush fell over the audience at Celeste’s cutting words. To suggest Elyse should leave music entirely was more than disdain—it was an outright declaration of hatred. But why did Celeste hate her so much? Was it the rumors, the whispers that Elyse had used connections to climb the ranks? Of course, no one had ever proven those rumors, and it was only Celeste who had ever brought them up.

As the air thickened with tension, the host quickly intervened, attempting to cool things down. Celeste, however, wasn’t about to back down.

“So, if it turns out you did use connections, will you publicly apologize and leave the music industry for good?” she pressed, her tone sharp.

Elyse couldn’t understand Celeste’s deep-rooted animosity. Why was she so obsessed with accusing her of shady dealings? But Elyse would rather be caught in rumors about illicit affairs than have her talent questioned. Her pride wouldn’t allow that.

Despite the unfair accusations, Elyse stood firm. She wasn’t going to let Celeste’s words slide.

“Why won’t you answer me? Scared your talent isn’t enough to back up your claims?” Celeste taunted, her voice laced with venom.

Her aggressive challenge sent a ripple of unease through the audience, but Elyse stood her ground. After a beat of silence, Elyse met her gaze with unshakable resolve.

“If I prove my talent today, will you publicly apologize? Will you admit your accusations about me using connections were nothing but lies?”

Celeste’s lips twisted into a smug smile as she nodded. “If you accept my terms, I’ll accept yours.”

Elyse’s eyes never wavered. “So be it. I accept.”

The host, caught off guard, stood frozen in disbelief. His eyes flicked between the two women, stunned by their high-stakes wager. One risked her entire career in music, while the other risked her reputation, leaving both teetering on the edge of self-destruction. Could they truly be so reckless, so oblivious to the consequences of their daring bet?

As the conversation dwindled, the host seized the moment to advance the proceedings. First in line to test her mettle, Elyse was poised to challenge a contestant not yet revealed. Fate, however, seemed to weave its own tale, as her opponent was none other than the contestant Celeste had openly accused of manipulating his way into the competition.