Chapter 1376:

Chloe’s face turned crimson with fury. How dare someone be so blatantly disrespectful! Before Chloe could retaliate, Elyse placed a steady hand on her arm, gently holding her back. Rising from her chair, Elyse fixed Krista with a calm yet piercing gaze. “I’ll be waiting for you to bring your challenge to the stage today,” Elyse said, her tone serious and unwavering. “Challenge you? I’m afraid my strength might shatter that delicate ego of yours,” Krista burst into laughter, her arrogance on full display. Elyse didn’t flinch. Her reply came swift and sure. “No, I hope you bring your absolute best. That way, when I prove my worth, there’ll be no room for doubt.” Krista gave Elyse the middle finger, a mischievous smirk spreading across her lips. “You’re the champ of the Swan Cup, but so what? I can’t wait to beat you.” Elyse met her challenge with a steady gaze. “Try to beat me first, then we’ll talk.” With a dismissive laugh, Krista quipped, “I adore how some folks are all swagger and zero skill. Walking over you is going to be a breeze.” She spun on her heel and strutted off. Once Elyse’s calming presence released Chloe, Chloe exploded. “This mess is all Celeste’s doing! She’s been bad-mouthing you since the competition, claiming your victory was just luck. Now, everyone thinks they’ve got a shot at the title.” Elyse shrugged. “Let them come. If they actually beat me, I might think highly of them.” Chloe’s head bobbed eagerly. “Right? You need to smash their hopes and show them who you really are!” As the recording light blinked on, Elyse stepped onto the stage, where the host was already warming up the crowd. This round promised a new twist: competitors would face off twice, with their fates hanging on a combined score from judges and the audience. Krista sauntered to the heart of the stage with a swagger. “I challenge Elyse,” she declared boldly. The host blinked, taken aback, and double-checked. “You sure about this?” Her gaze slicing through the air towards Elyse, Krista nodded. “Absolutely.” Turning to Elyse, the host inquired, “What do you say? Do you accept her challenge?” With a calm nod, Elyse affirmed, “I accept.” With both contenders in agreement, the stage was set, and the battle lines drawn. Off to the side, Elyse caught Nick’s eye. Krista, clutching her violin, sidled up to Elyse. “Just so you know, coming up with excuses after you lose is just sad.” Elyse shot back with a cool smirk. “I’d have preferred a showdown with Nick, honestly, but since you’re so keen on making a spectacle of yourself…” Krista’s face flushed with indignation. “Excuse me? You think you’re too good for me?” With a slight shake of her head and an easy smile, Elyse replied, “Not at all. It’s just that you haven’t really crossed my mind until now.” Krista was practically seething with fury. Elyse gave her shoulder a gentle pat. “Try not to disappoint.” Frustration creased Krista’s features as she bit her lip hard. The audacity of Elyse, with her own shady past, to play the high ground! With a sharp stomp of her foot, Krista exploded. “Damn it! I’ll beat you!” . . .