Chapter 235:
Darren was indifferent. He replied to Vicky’s question, “If you had listened to me, you would have kept your position as concertmaster. But you wouldn't listen. Bring your fever down first, okay?” He had earlier advised Vicky to wear a jacket instead of a thin dress in case the weather turned cold. However, his thoughtful suggestions and help were perceived as interference. He regretted meddling in her affairs.
Vicky bristled with resentment. She sneered, “Am I wrong? You help Elyse because you like her.” He gave a cold smile. “Seems like you're not as amazing as you used to be, right?” Darren was annoyed. “Why would she say that?” he thought. “She's just like everyone else now. She's the concertmaster; her health is paramount. But her stubbornness resulted in a fever on our first tour date.”
“You resent Elyse. You think she stole your position, don't you? You should blame yourself, not Elyse. You didn't value this tour, so you were replaced by someone who did.” Vicky trembled, unwilling to accept blame. Furious, she retorted, “I'll perform even if I'm sick. I've done it before, and I succeeded.”
Darren nodded. “Yes, you have, but that was only a three-minute performance. This is different; you'll be performing for two hours with a large ensemble. Can you manage that? Or do you intend to faint onstage? Do you want to embarrass our orchestra in front of the media? Don't say you don't care; we do.”
His words shattered Vicky's arrogance. Weakened, she leaned against the wall. She doubted she could endure a performance, especially in her current state. Adding to her unhappiness was the fact that Elyse, the person she hated most, had replaced her.
Darren checked the clock. “You'd better hope it goes well,” he said. Vicky's mouth twisted. “Are you worried it won't? I thought you had so much faith in Elyse.”
Darren could contain his displeasure no longer. He said coldly, “Do you think Elyse wanted to take your place? Have you considered the stress and inconvenience this caused her? She had to learn the blocking and etiquette barely fifteen minutes before the performance.”
Vicky was speechless. She withdrew from everyone. Anger surging, Darren picked up his violin and went backstage. The performance was about to begin. He hoped it would go well.
Elyse glanced at the arriving audience from the corner of the stage where the manager had guided her. The manager carefully explained each step, pointing out every position. Noticing Elyse's nervousness, she said, “Don't be nervous; just enjoy the stage.”
Elyse was incredulous. Her heart pounded with each arriving audience member. She encouraged herself, “I'll enjoy it.” The audience settled in. Clive and Peyton, who arrived after Jayden, were visibly excited.
“Can you spot your wife?” Clive asked Jayden. Jayden answered confidently, “Of course.” Clive sat up straight. “I'm not interested in classical music, but since you invited me, I'll watch this once.”
Jayden groaned inwardly. “Just watch it. It's a waste for someone who doesn't appreciate it,” he muttered. Clive retorted, “You don't like this music either. Didn't you do some last-minute research?”
“Why are you even here?” Jayden asked, touching his forehead. “To watch your wife perform,” they chorused. Jayden wanted them to leave once the performance began, but they settled in to watch.
Clive noticed Elyse's absence. “Where's your wife? I don't see her.” Peyton searched too. “I can't see her either, Jayden. Have you?”
There was no sign of Elyse. “Has something happened?” Jayden worried.
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