Chapter 1379:
The audience, however, was in full agreement, showering Elyse with high scores. Not a single dissenting voice was heard. Elyse emerged victorious, though the result was never in doubt. As she stepped off the stage, she walked over to Krista, playfully raising an eyebrow. “So, are you convinced yet?” Krista’s face flushed with frustration. How could someone, supposedly coasting on deceit, demonstrate such undeniable skill? With a snap, she retorted, her voice tinged with defiance, “Don’t get too comfortable. There’s another round to go. I can’t see your luck holding up again.” Elyse simply replied, “We’ll see.” Preferring to avoid further confrontation, Krista turned and walked away, her pride fragile.
During the break, as other contestants took the stage, Elyse slipped backstage to catch her breath. Chloe handed her a water bottle just as Nick approached, his hands buried in his pockets and a skeptical look on his face. Elyse eyed him curiously. “Something on your mind?” Nick’s expression was frosty. “I underestimated you. Even if you pulled some strings to win the Swan Cup, you’ve shown real skill today.” Elyse’s patience wore thin. “For the last time, I didn’t cheat. Celeste is the one spreading those rumors.” Nick arched an eyebrow, his sneer deepening. “Rumors, huh? At the Swan Cup, you allegedly sabotaged many hopefuls. And now you’re calling them rumors?” Elyse couldn’t resist questioning, “Seriously? You think I’m the one? When have I ever sabotaged other contestants’ chances?” Nick fired back sharply, “Denying it, huh? Just you wait. I’ll make you confess!” He stormed off, his anger hanging heavily in the air.
Nearby, Chloe’s brow furrowed in concern. “Has he lost it? Could the pressure of the competition really be twisting his thoughts this way?” Taking a calming sip of water, Elyse sighed. “Who knows? Celeste accused me of nepotism, and Nick painted me as a saboteur. They really know how to make up stories.” Chloe’s voice softened. “Don’t let their words weigh you down. You need to clinch this competition and silence them all.” Elyse nodded, her resolve firm. “I’m here to win, not to wilt.” After pausing to regroup, Elyse made her way back to the competition stage, ready for another challenge.
This round was different; it allowed the performers to showcase their personal favorites, with the audience also having a say in the scores, alongside the judges. Krista, bubbling with enthusiasm, chose this moment to shine. Steering clear of her weaker songs, she picked “Song of the Toreador” for its bold rhythms and demanding techniques. As long as she played to her strengths, she believed, victory was within reach.