Chapter 188:

Elyse, though she missed the concertmaster position, secured a spot on the domestic concert tour. Daily practice was now essential to hone her skills. Standing among her fellow orchestra members, her gaze drifted enviously to Vicky's back.

As rehearsal began, Merlin entered. He addressed the orchestra: "The tour starts in a month. Let's strive for excellence and leave our audience awestruck." He then left, leaving the musicians buzzing with excitement.

Never having toured before, Elyse felt a surge of enthusiasm. Suddenly, Vicky's voice cut through the air: "What a bunch of country bumpkins." Elyse looked up to see Vicky's disdainful expression. Silence fell as Vicky's words hung in the air.

Elyse shot Vicky a helpless glance before saying, "How irritating."

Annoyed, Vicky snapped, "What did you just say?"

"I said you are irritating," Elyse replied firmly. "What's our discussion got to do with you? We haven't offended you, yet you call us 'country bumpkins.' Oh, right, you're quite pleased with yourself."

Vicky gritted her teeth, glaring resentfully. Never before had anyone dared challenge her. Her demeanor was always overbearing and arrogant; she dominated other orchestra members, leaving them intimidated and unwilling to confront her. Not even Darren, her longtime childhood rival, had ever summoned the courage to do so. Elyse, however, proved an exception.

"What gives you the audacity to speak to me like this?" Vicky laughed, her anger barely concealed.

Elyse furrowed her brows. "Do you think you're outstanding? Are you superior to Merlin or more talented than Mr. Cody Tucker?"

Vicky retorted disdainfully, "I may not be on their level, but you lost to me."

Undeterred, Elyse chuckled. "Yes, I lost. But that doesn't mean I have to bow down to you, does it? I'll always be your competitor. You better step up your game because I might surpass you tomorrow."

Vicky was speechless with rage. Darren couldn't help but laugh, earning him a glare from Vicky. Unfazed, Darren smiled fearlessly. "Vicky, have you forgotten Mr. Tucker's advice? He told you to be humble and curb your arrogance. Are you ignoring him?"

Vicky was lost for words. She knew she needed to improve her reputation, especially if she wanted Cody to take her on as an apprentice. Reluctantly, she remained silent. Seeing Darren's supportive nod, Elyse felt a surge of gratitude.

Returning to practice, Elyse received a message from Jayden: he was dining with Peyton and wouldn't be home for dinner. Frowning, Elyse wondered about Jayden's increasingly frequent outings with Peyton. Without questioning, she replied, "Okay."

Darren approached. "We're dining out tonight. Care to join us?"

Elyse was curious. "We? Who else?"

"Bart, Grace, and Freddy," Darren smiled. "The competition brought us together. Since we all play violin, we went from foes to friends."

Intrigued, Elyse nodded. "Okay. Tonight?"

"Yes, Harvest Eatery. Bart booked a private room," Darren said, pulling out his phone. "Mind if I save your number? We can add you to our group chat."

Elyse's face lit up as she added Darren to her contacts. As they exchanged numbers, Vicky approached, eyeing them with a strange expression. "What's going on? I heard you're joining a chat group."

Elyse playfully shook her phone. "Yes, we are. Want to be friends?"

Vicky scoffed, her disdain obvious. "Who'd want to be friends with losers? I'm not interested in lowering my standards."

Darren's brows furrowed. "Can't you change your attitude? It's not like you have a lot of friends."

Vicky shot him a contemptuous look. "Oh, and you think you'll win anything by associating with these losers?"

Darren bristled, but Vicky ignored him and walked away. Elyse sighed. "Forget it. You know Vicky. She won't change."

Darren sighed. "Sometimes I feel sorry for her. She must be really lonely. Maybe I've been too nosy."

Elyse nodded understandingly, offering a comforting smile. Later, she discreetly messaged Driscoll, informing him she wouldn't be home for dinner. Driscoll's heart sank; knowing neither Jayden nor Elyse would be home, he felt lonely.