Chapter 364:

Noon had already passed when Elyse awoke. She got out of bed and went downstairs. Driscoll, seeing her, quickly said, "Are you hungry? Would you like some lunch?"

Elyse scanned the room, her brow furrowed. "Where's Jayden?" she asked, not seeing him.

"He left this morning and will be back later this afternoon," Driscoll replied, glancing around, wary of her reaction.

"That's fine. I'm actually quite hungry," Elyse said, smiling gently. "Lunch will be ready soon."

As Driscoll moved away, he had a thought and turned back. "By the way, Mrs. Owen, your parents' urns are in a room on the third floor. It has a wonderful view. Feel free to visit them whenever you like."

"Thank you, Driscoll," Elyse replied with a nod and a smile. With lunch still being prepared, she grabbed her phone and called Cody.

Despite being dismissed from the Celestial Sounds Symphony, Elyse wasn't ready to give up her dreams. She wasn't sure if Cody would take her on as an apprentice, but she was determined to try.

Cody answered. "What can I do for you?"

Elyse clutched her shirt, her voice nervous but hopeful. "Mr. Tucker, could we meet this afternoon? I need to speak with you."

"Sure. I'll text you the address. See you then," Cody replied.

Elyse breathed a sigh of relief. Amidst recent challenges, this felt like a beacon of hope. She told Driscoll her plans over lunch, her spirits visibly lifted.

Driscoll's eyes welled up when he learned Elyse planned to see Cody. He felt partly responsible for her dismissal from the Celestial Sounds Symphony, even though a higher-up had wanted her gone. He still felt guilty, believing he'd given them the excuse they needed.

Elyse's visit to Cody brought Driscoll some relief. "Would you mind if I came along this afternoon?" he asked hesitantly.

"Of course," Elyse replied, her brow furrowed with curiosity, but she agreed. "My wife's a huge Cody fan. If I meet him and get an autograph, maybe she'll complain less when I get home," he explained.

Elyse chuckled. "Then I definitely have to bring you along."

After lunch, they went to an old factory in the industrial zone that had been converted into a studio. The sign read Blue Sea Music Studio.

Driscoll adjusted his hat and said, "This studio is gorgeous. It really feels like Cody Tucker."

Elyse, unable to hide her excitement, said, "Let's go in. Mr. Tucker is expecting us."

Cody soon came down the stairs to greet them. "I saw you two from the window. I just made coffee. Let's have a seat."

"Thank you, Mr. Tucker," Elyse said enthusiastically.

Cody made three cups of coffee and led them into a lounge. "Try the coffee. I hope you like it."

The final ".noveldrama" and extraneous spacing were removed as they seemed to be artifacts from the original text and not part of the narrative.