Chapter 227:

Jayden and Elyse had been intimate on multiple occasions, leaving physical evidence. On the second day, Elyse's menstrual cycle began. Relieved, she quietly asked Jayden for space over the next few days. To her surprise, he respected her request, showing more consideration than usual.

Elyse was puzzled by this change until she noticed Driscoll constantly talking to Jayden, who seemed visibly frustrated. Understanding the source of his transformation, Elyse laughed.

A week later, the Celestial Sounds Symphony was about to begin its tour. Many members were new to such large-scale events, creating a palpable tension that Elyse also felt. She isolated herself in a corner of the rehearsal room, practicing solo.

Vicky, strutting in with arms crossed and high heels, approached Elyse with arrogance. Elyse looked up into Vicky's mocking gaze and calmly asked, "What do you want?"

"You've never performed on a big stage before, have you? Don't drag me down during the tour. I don't need any blemishes on my record," Vicky retorted with a smug smile.

Despite Vicky's arrogance, Elyse responded coolly, "Focus on your own performance instead of worrying about mine." She glanced at Vicky's attire and added, "Aren't you cold in that dress? It's autumn."

Vicky snorted disdainfully. "Don't compare me to you. I'll change into my stage dress later."

Elyse, wanting to end the conversation, dismissed Vicky with an icy demeanor. Delighted by Elyse's apparent irritation, Vicky hummed and strutted away.

As Elyse packed her things, her phone rang. It was Mabel. Elyse answered casually, "What is it? What do you need?"

"Elyse, which room are you in? I'll come see you," Mabel replied cheerfully.

Puzzled, Elyse asked, "Why are you here?"

"I've missed you, Elyse. I found a lounge. I'll wait for you," Mabel explained, ending the call without waiting for a response.

Elyse's eyebrows furrowed; something felt wrong. She grabbed her purse and headed toward the lounge with a sense of foreboding. Mabel was perched in a corner and approached Elyse as she entered. Removing her sunglasses, she pointed to an empty seat and smiled warmly. "Elyse, it's been a while. Please sit. I got you coffee."

Elyse's eyebrows arched as she sat, observing Mabel. Their last meeting involved Theo, and Elyse later learned from Glenda that Theo had sent Mabel home. Since then, Elyse hadn't given Mabel much thought, not considering their relationship close enough for a casual coffee. Eyeing the coffee suspiciously, she doubted Mabel's intentions were purely altruistic. Elyse decided to be direct, opting not to touch the coffee. "What do you want to talk about?"

Mabel flipped her bangs and adopted a softer tone. "Elyse, do you have to be so formal with me?"

Elyse's impatience darkened her expression. "What are you trying to say?"

Mabel responded earnestly, her large eyes conveying sincerity. "I know we haven't been close, but we are still sisters, aren't we? Can't you put aside your judgments and just talk to me openly?"

Despite Mabel's seemingly genuine plea, Elyse remained suspicious. Deciding to play along, Elyse artificially softened her tone, mirroring Mabel's sentiment. "It's good to hear you say that. You've really matured."

A flicker of cunning appeared in Mabel's eyes, her cheerful facade briefly slipping. With a sorrowful tone, she said, "Elyse, I've made mistakes. I didn't take my career seriously. Now I'm shut out of the entertainment industry."

Feigning surprise, Elyse probed, "Really? But the scandal seems forgotten. Why can't you return?"

Mabel shook her head, distress evident. "I don't know. I feel so trapped. If I can't make a comeback as a singer, what am I supposed to do?" She squeezed out a tear and grasped Elyse's hand with feigned despair. "Elyse, I need your help so desperately."

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