Chapter 1375:

To her, Elyse’s past rumored antics made it clear that talent wasn't part of the equation. Without another word, Celeste turned on her heel and stalked off. She didn't feel the need to waste breath on someone she was sure would crumble under the pressure. In Celeste's eyes, Elyse was no match for the genuine talent this competition had drawn. Any contestant could easily expose Elyse's so-called "skills" for the sham they were. All she had to do now was sit back and wait for the results.

Elyse watched Celeste's haughty retreat and sighed quietly. Celeste's hostility ran deep, and it was clear she wasn't planning to cut her any slack. Elyse couldn't shake the feeling that the battle ahead would be tougher than she thought, that Celeste might have a few tricks up her sleeve.

Chloe arrived with steaming coffee and noticed Elyse staring off into space. "Hey, don't just stand there like a statue," she chided lightly. "Go get your makeup done; the recording's about to start."

Snapping out of her thoughts, Elyse nodded and headed into the dressing room, settling into the chair as the makeup artist began. After running through the schedule, Chloe leaned closer and said quietly, "Your opponent this time is no pushover. Think you can handle the pressure?"

Elyse met her gaze confidently. "I can handle it. I'm aiming for first place—nothing less. Trust me."

Chloe smiled encouragingly. "Your last performance was a hit, and your popularity's skyrocketing. Keep building that fan base; the national tour is just around the corner."

Elyse's mood brightened, and she grinned. "The national tour is just the start. After that, I'm going global. I want the whole world to hear my music."

Chloe remarked, her admiration evident, "Now that'll be a moment to remember."

Elyse nodded, already picturing the thrill of performing on an international stage.

"Humph! Someone like you talking about a national tour? What a joke." An icy voice cut through her daydream. Elyse turned to see a woman in a shimmering sequined dress, her expression full of disdain.

Chloe frowned and stepped forward. "And who exactly are you to be so rude?"

The woman smirked, unfazed. "Elyse, I'm Krista Ramsey—your next opponent. Nice to meet you," she said mockingly, extending a hand.

Elyse's face remained calm, but her eyes flashed. She brushed Krista's hand aside, replying coolly, "If you don't respect me, why fake pleasantries? Must be exhausting pretending all the time."

Krista snorted derisively. "Respect? From someone who cheats her way to first place? You should be thanking me for even offering a handshake."

Before Elyse could respond, Chloe, her temper flaring, stepped in. "Say that again, I dare you!" she snapped, glaring at Krista. She wasn't going to let this arrogant woman insult Elyse without a fight.

Krista glanced at Chloe with a sly smirk, her voice dripping with mockery. "What's this? Elyse can't hold her own in a verbal spar, so her lackey has to jump in?"