Chapter 166:
Elyse stammered before saying, "Is it true?"
Darren nodded. "My uncle mentioned Cody's here to take an apprentice, but he didn't say who. He remained silent, even after the second round. He'll likely decide after the concertmaster selection," he added, stroking his chin.
Elyse covered her face, shocked. Becoming Cody's apprentice would be a great honor.
Darren saw the eagerness in her eyes. "You're a talented participant," he remarked. "Despite my uncle's reservations, his private request for you to withdraw proves you're a formidable opponent."
Elyse looked up. "Aren't you worried? What if I win? You're a Cody fan, too. If you want his mentorship, you should ask me to withdraw."
"True," he replied slowly. "But I want to win fairly. What kind of victory is it if the strongest opponent withdraws? Besides, I disagree with my uncle."
Elyse was unsure. Though Darren seemed honest, she doubted his sincerity.
"I'm going to practice," she said, wanting to leave. "Work on your stage presence. Stage fright shouldn't affect a concertmaster." She walked away.
Shortly after, she found Wanda looking glum and asked Elyse to step outside.
Confused and worried, Elyse followed her to a cafรฉ. The somber atmosphere fueled her curiosity. Wanda was unusually downcast.
"What happened, Miss Hopkins?" Elyse asked.
Wanda sighed. "I talked to Merlin Reynolds, and he upset me."
Elyse blurted out, "Did he ask you to persuade me to withdraw?"
Wanda's eyes widened. "How did you know? Did Merlin talk to you?"
Elyse nodded. "He offered me next year's concertmaster position if I withdrew."
Wanda scoffed. "He'd go to such lengths for his nephew, Darren! Cody's taking an apprentice, and Merlin wants it to be Darren. He should focus on Darren's skills instead of these schemes! He's the orchestra director! How can he be so low?"
Elyse felt a warmth of appreciation for Wanda's support. She'd thought she was alone.
Wanda asked, "Will you withdraw?"
Elyse shook her head. "No. I want a chance to be Cody's apprentice."
Wanda nodded. "Good. Music demands purity of talent and intention. The stage isn't for opportunists."
Elyse smiled. "I won't abandon my dreams. I'll compete until the end."
Wanda sighed in relief. "I heard Merlin convinced Gary Hank to withdraw, offering him next year's concertmaster position."
"What?" Elyse laughed incredulously. "That's the same offer Merlin gave me!"
Wanda raised an eyebrow. "Remember, opportunities earned through honest work are genuine. Promises can be broken instantly." Elyse fell silent.
If everyone accepted Merlin's offer, Darren would face only one or two competitors, maybe just Vicky. Her instructor was the assistant director, and he and Merlin were rivals; Vicky wouldn't accept.
Elyse understood the hidden intrigue. She finally understood why Jayden had called her foolish. It had taken her too long to see Merlin's schemes.
She was glad she'd stayed true to her music. What would have happened next year if she'd succumbed to temptation like Gary? She doubted any of them would actually become concertmaster.
Suddenly missing Jayden, Elyse felt a sharp pang in her chest. She texted him, wanting to know what he was doing.
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