Chapter 186

Elyse asked Darren about Cody's choice, but he shook his head, saying no one knew for sure. "Everyone thinks he won't choose anyone," Darren explained, "but I heard he plans to stay in the city for a while; he's in no rush to leave." He covered his mouth and sighed. "I've never seen Vicky cry so much in all these years. Her self-esteem is shattered."

Elyse asked if it was solely Cody's rejection. "Partly," Darren replied. "Abram invited reporters and senior leaders. He thought Vicky would definitely be chosen, but she was humiliated." He snickered. "Her self-esteem was shattered right then and there."

Elyse and Freddy exchanged a look, referencing Darren's long-standing feud with Vicky. Darren raised a hand to interrupt Elyse. "She's mocked me for years, and I said nothing. Can't I have a little laugh today?"

Freddy shrugged. "Sure, but look behind you first."

Darren turned to see Vicky glaring at him, her eyes filled with humiliation and resentment. She looked ready to attack. Unafraid, Darren smirked. "Need to find a new place to cry?"

Vicky wiped her eyes. "Losers don't get to mock me. Let's see how you feel after you win."

Darren replied indifferently, "Well, it's my first time seeing a winner so humiliated."

Vicky snorted, said nothing more, and walked toward them. She bumped into Darren, then glared fiercely at Elyse before silently and unhappily leaving.

"Don't worry about her," Darren remarked. "She's been cocooned in accolades for so long; it's about time she tasted defeat." Turning to Elyse, he asked, "Do you know what Cody said about Vicky's music before he left?"

Elyse, curious, asked, "What did he say?"

"He said her playing was all skill and no emotion," Darren replied. "Her music fails to captivate or connect with the audience. He suggested she tone down her arrogance."

Elyse almost laughed. "Mr. Tucker really has sharp eyes," Freddy added. "He saw it in just one performance."

Darren nodded. "That's why he's one of the best."

Elyse was reminded of Richie's similar criticism when he'd asked her to play in the park. She realized that music without soul is hollow and lifeless; a performer couldn't afford to lose their soul. This gave her a new understanding of music.

Returning home, Elyse was disappointed to find Jayden absent. "Where's Jayden?" she asked Driscoll.

"He went to the hospital, but there's a traffic jam," Driscoll replied, noticing her disappointment. "What's wrong? Are you unhappy?"

Elyse sadly confessed, "I lost. I didn't become the concertmaster."

Driscoll comforted her. "Even if you weren't selected, we all think you're the best."

Elyse sat sulking. Driscoll messaged Jayden, who was actually dealing with a business problem, not at the hospital as he'd claimed. Jayden, realizing Elyse's bad mood, ordered his driver to speed up. He arrived home within half an hour, only to be met at the entrance by a pale, unsteady Bryce, with dark circles under his eyes.

"Bryce!" Jayden greeted him. "I need to talk to you."

Bryce raised an eyebrow. "We can talk inside." He maneuvered his wheelchair toward the living room. As he arrived, Elyse stood to greet him, but Bryce interrupted, shouting, "I can't live in this house anymore! It's haunted, and I can't sleep!"

Elyse felt a pang of unease, remembering the man from her dream. Jayden glanced at Bryce. "Will you leave after dinner?" ... ... ...