Chapter 267:

Vicky, convinced by Rebekah, firmly agreed to her plan. "Does Elyse Lloyd really think she's good enough to be concertmaster alongside me? She's overestimated herself," she remarked confidently.

"Exactly," Rebekah sneered. "How could she become concertmaster?" She glared at Elyse. From the start, Elyse had been Rebekah's equal. But over time, she'd surpassed Rebekah, reaching a level comparable to Vicky's. To Rebekah, it was a nightmare, and she was determined to change it.

In the crowd, Elyse remained blissfully unaware of the impending danger. After chatting with some orchestra members, she returned to the rehearsal room. Three hours later, television reporters arrived. Elyse went to the restroom before heading to the conference room.

When she tried to leave the stall, she found the door locked from the outside. Realizing someone had deliberately locked her in, she shouted, "Who's there? Let me out!"

Rebekah stood outside, smirking silently, hoping Elyse would remain trapped until the interview ended.

Elyse's absence grew concerning. The manager, becoming anxious, sent someone to find her. Just then, Rebekah entered, saying, "I just came from the restroom; Elyse wasn't there."

Surprised, the manager exclaimed, "Where could she be? The reporters are here! How will the interview proceed without her?"

Vicky waited silently, anticipating the manager's call. Once summoned, she would heroically save the situation. Checking her watch, the manager decided, "Where's Vicky?"

A slight smile touched Vicky's lips before she composed herself. Emerging from the crowd, she said, "I'm here."

"Take Elyse's place in the interview," the manager instructed. "Make sure to uphold Celestial Sounds Symphony's reputation."

"Got it," Vicky replied confidently. She held her head high as she left the rehearsal room.

Watching this, Darren exchanged confused glances with Grace and their friends, wondering about Elyse's whereabouts and whether she even cared about the interview.

Meanwhile, trapped in the restroom, Elyse was unaware Vicky had replaced her. Despite her efforts, she couldn't escape. Finally, she noticed a possible escape route above the door. If she could climb out of the stall, she would be free. It was her only option.

She managed to step onto the toilet and pull herself up. As her upper body emerged, she looked down. The floor was nearly eight feet below. Despite her fear, she jumped. She landed hard, her body wracked with pain.

Once the pain subsided, she staggered to her feet, wincing. Grace entered and saw her struggling. "What happened?" she asked, bewildered.

"I was locked in the stall," Elyse said, rubbing her ankle as the pain intensified. She realized it was twisted.

Grace probed, "Who did it?"

"I don't know," Elyse replied anxiously. "Has the interview started?"

"Yes, a while ago. We couldn't find you, so I came looking," Grace explained, helping Elyse out of the restroom.

At the doorway, Darren noticed her limp. "Should we take you to a doctor?" he asked worriedly.

Elyse shook her head. "No, I'm going to the interview," she insisted.

"Vicky's doing it for you," Grace added helplessly.

With determination, Elyse insisted, "I'm going too. Even if they send me away, I won't miss it."

Darren and Grace couldn't dissuade her, so they led her to the conference room.

Inside, Vicky spoke confidently, answering the reporters' questions, while several orchestra members sat silently around her. They were accustomed to playing a supporting role in such situations.

Suddenly, Elyse entered, attempting to hide her injured ankle, though her awkward gait drew attention. A reporter recognized her. "You must be Elyse Lloyd, one of the concertmasters, right?"

Elyse nodded with a smile. The reporter invited her to sit next to Vicky.

Barely concealing her irritation, Vicky asked with feigned concern, "Where were you? We couldn't find you when the interview started."

Elyse replied apologetically, "I'm sorry. It was my fault. I'll accept any punishment, but can I still participate in the interview?"

The reporters nodded. "Absolutely. We have plenty of questions for you."