Chapter 365: Novel Drama

Elyse sipped her coffee, savoring the strong aroma. Driscoll took a sip from his own cup and remarked, "Ah, Jamaican Blue Mountain. The water temperature was perfect, enhancing its full-bodied flavor."

Cody raised an eyebrow. "You can tell just from the taste?"

"I traveled there when I was younger; after one taste, I couldn't forget," Driscoll replied warmly.

Cody turned to Elyse. "Weren't you supposed to be rehearsing with the Celestial Sounds Symphony today?"

Elyse felt a twinge of embarrassment. "I was fired," she admitted.

Cody frowned. "How did you miss your chance to be reinstated?"

She fell silent. Driscoll started to explain, but Elyse stopped him. Taking a breath, she said, "I was kidnapped."

Cody was stunned. "Kidnapped? And your sister orchestrated this?"

Elyse nodded, a bitter smile playing on her lips. "But why would she trap you? You're family."

Elyse shook her head. She still didn't understand Mabel's actions, and hadn't received an apology. Staring into her coffee, she murmured, "We aren't biological sisters. Maybe that's why she doesn't like me."

Cody looked even more confused. "You're not biological sisters?"

Elyse clutched her cup nervously. "My parents died years ago. My mother is Lanny's sister."

Cody's expression turned curious. He studied Elyse thoughtfully.

Elyse quickly changed the subject, forcing a smile. "This is too heavy. Let's skip it. Mr. Tucker, is that all right?"

"Of course," Cody replied, nodding. "What other opportunities are there if I want to continue my musical career?" Elyse finally voiced the question she’d been wanting to ask.

gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․com is full of thrilling adventures (This sentence should be removed as it's out of place and appears to be an advertisement)

Cody rubbed his chin. "Why are you asking?"

Elyse blinked. "What do you mean?"

Cody leaned forward. "You're my apprentice. I've been guiding you this whole time."

Elyse froze, speechless. Driscoll, equally stunned, asked, "You're his apprentice? Why didn't you tell us?"

Elyse stammered, "I…I didn't know. When did I become his apprentice?"

Cody pressed on, "If you weren't, why would I have taught you violin techniques and comforted and encouraged you?"

Elyse was speechless. Cody continued, "You've been my apprentice for a long time, but you're too dense to realize it."

Elyse remained stunned. After a moment, she accepted it. She smiled at Cody.

He smiled back. "I have four other apprentices. I'll introduce you another day. Since you've left the Celestial Sounds Symphony, come practice with me daily."

"Okay, that's wonderful," Elyse said, turning to Driscoll, who nodded encouragingly.

Cody glanced at his watch. "Head back and practice hard. You haven't been keeping up lately, have you? My other apprentices will be here tomorrow to hear you play."

Elyse's smile vanished. She realized she'd been neglecting her practice. Cody sensed her concern. "All right, go home and practice your violin."

With a sheepish grin, Elyse left. Driscoll shyly pulled a notebook from his bag. "Could I trouble you for an autograph before I leave?"

Cody took the notebook and pen, smiling. "Of course."

Driscoll explained, "My wife is a huge fan. Whenever you toured, she'd get tickets to see you play."

Cody's eyes lit up. "That's wonderful. It brings back fond memories."

Driscoll added, "She also adored your partner. She always thought you two made the best partners."

The final ellipses (...) are unnecessary. The story appears to end there.