Chapter 189:

As evening fell, Elyse left the rehearsal room, violin case in hand. At the building's exit, she found Freddy waiting—the only person in sight. They had barely exchanged greetings when Rebekah appeared. Seeing them together, Rebekah erupted in fury.

"Why are you so close to Freddy?" she demanded, her voice sharp. "Have you forgotten you're married? Are you trying to seduce him?"

Elyse laughed. "Have you actually seen me seducing Freddy? Is that what you're saying, just because we talked a little longer today?"

Freddy rubbed his forehead. "I was having a normal conversation with Elyse. You're making it easy for misunderstandings."

Rebekah's tone softened, though her unease remained. "It's just that you were standing so close. I'm worried you might be misled by her."

Freddy's expression hardened. "Enough, Rebekah. What do you take me for? Do you really think I'd flirt with a married woman?"

"No, that's not what I meant, Freddy. It's all her fault," Rebekah protested, but Freddy wasn't listening.

Just then, Darren, Grace, and Bart arrived, each carrying a violin case.

"What's going on here?" Darren asked, his curiosity evident.

"Let's go," Freddy said, wanting to end the confrontation.

Grace nodded and approached Elyse. The two, sharing much in common and possessing a tenacious spirit, had quickly become friends, having spent the afternoon together strengthening their bond.

Rebekah knew of their gathering. Darren and the others were prominent members of the orchestra; she understood that associating with them would elevate her status and access to resources. She bit her lip and boldly asked Freddy, "Can you take me with you? I want to be with you."

Knowing glances passed between the group. Elyse watched Rebekah with amusement, recognizing Rebekah's desire to be Freddy's sole companion and her blatant hypocrisy.

"This is our gathering. You can't come," Freddy said firmly.

"Why not?" Rebekah challenged.

With a sly smile, Elyse gestured to the group. "We're sharing secrets today. You shouldn't hear them." They called themselves the Alliance of the Defeated, a humorous name reflecting their shared experiences of failure. Tonight's meeting was to discuss past setbacks and strategize against Vicky in upcoming competitions.

No one wanted to include an outsider who might learn of their weaknesses. Pride was important to each of them, and Rebekah's close relationship with Vicky was another concern.

Rebekah glared at Elyse. "Do you look down on me?"

Grace, smiling brightly, put her arm around Elyse. "We don't look down on you. You just can't come with us."

Rebekah bristled, sensing she and Vicky were being excluded. As Vicky's loyal supporter, she quickly recalibrated. "Then I won't go. You go," she declared.

No one, except Freddy, who suspected Rebekah's motives, gave her reaction much thought. Lacking evidence, he decided to address any issues as they arose.

As the group left, Rebekah hurried to find Vicky, who was alone in the rehearsal room. Seeing Rebekah, Vicky impatiently asked, "What do you want?"

Rebekah said anxiously, "I just saw Elyse leave with Darren and the others. They're planning to stick together and exclude you. I'm worried it will make things difficult for you."

This enraged Vicky. "How dare Elyse rally people against me? How dare she?"

Since becoming Vicky's follower, Rebekah had frequently disparaged Elyse, fueling Vicky's animosity. Now, Vicky's resentment had reached a fever pitch.

Rebekah, smug in her influence, added, "Grace and Bart were there, and even Darren joined them. If I were you, I wouldn't be able to contain my anger. Elyse is too cunning. She's plotting behind the scenes and might even trap you in the future."

Vicky had enough. She quickly packed her things. "Do you know where they're having dinner? I need to find Elyse."

Rebekah, her plan unfolding perfectly, replied obsequiously, "I'll have to ask around. Give me a second."