Chapter 231:

Theo was working overtime when Elyse called. Engrossed in an important document, he hesitated to answer, wanting to avoid interruption. He glanced at the caller ID; seeing it was Elyse, his anticipation rose. "What could she want?" His pulse quickened as he picked up the phone. Letting it ring three times, he slowly pressed answer. "Why are you calling?" His tone was flat.

Meanwhile, Elyse examined a ruby necklace. "I received a birthday gift," she asked casually. "Did you give it to me?"

Theo almost confessed it was his. He'd bought the necklace at auction and intended to give it to her, but he doubted her acceptance, hence the delay. It suddenly dawned on him that she wasn't calling to thank him, but to confirm if it was his gift. Knowing Elyse, he suspected she'd return it if she knew. He replied, "I don't know anything about a birthday gift. You must be mistaken."

Elyse was surprised. Theo's denial, followed by his derisive tone—"Why would I give you a birthday gift? Don't delude yourself"—dispelled her doubts. "You're right," she said. "I must have been mistaken. My apologies for bothering you, Mr. Ward. I have to go."

She ended the call. Theo exhaled, tossing his phone onto his desk. He'd missed his chance to give her the gift. A self-deprecating smile touched his lips.

After the call, Elyse placed her phone on the table, picked up the ruby necklace again, and examined it closely before putting it away, indifferent to its sender.

The next day, she went to the rehearsal room. With the tour starting the following day, they had a brief rehearsal before heading to the concert hall. On the bus, the team manager distributed their tailored performance uniforms.

"Wow, your dress is different," Vicky, the concertmaster, said. "It's a fishtail design. Absolutely stunning."

"That's fantastic! I aspire to be a concertmaster someday," one of the girls exclaimed.

Vicky admired her uniform. Hearing the praise, she glanced scornfully at the girls. "Do you honestly believe just anyone can become the concertmaster?"

Embarrassed, the girl lowered her head. Vicky observed her closely. The girl was only averagely talented and posed no threat. Vicky didn't tolerate incompetence. With sarcasm, she remarked, "If you're not up to par, then practice diligently. Actions speak louder than words."

Elyse witnessed this, but remained silent. Vicky noticed. Sneering, she taunted Elyse, "You're no different from her. Spare yourself the illusion. You'll never wear this dress."

Amused, Elyse retorted, "You make it sound like you'll surpass me for the rest of your life."

Proudly displaying her dress, Vicky replied, "I did this time, didn't I?"

Elyse's gaze sharpened as the manager approached. Loudly, she commanded, "Put away your attire. Rehearsal is about to commence."

Everyone prepared. Elyse took her place, stealing a glance at Vicky, who stood proudly, her posture radiating arrogance.

As rehearsal was about to begin, Vicky sneezed. Concerned, the manager advised, "Layer up. The air conditioning is being tested today. You'll catch a cold if you're underdressed."

"No need. I'll be fine once we start moving," Vicky insisted.

The manager relented. After half a day, the orchestra was dismissed an hour early. Elyse lingered, becoming the last to leave.

Alone on the dimly lit stage, she gazed at the empty auditorium, feeling tranquil. As the lights dimmed, she seized the moment, playing "Viva La Vida." Applauding, she saw Cody, in a casual black suit, smiling.

. . .