Chapter 388:

At dinner, Jayden knocked on Elyse's door to invite her to eat. With a blank expression, she emerged, briefly met his gaze, and subtly shifted her dress to avoid him. Jayden, a mix of annoyance and amusement in his tone, followed, challenging, "Why are you avoiding me? You don't even want your dress to touch me." Elyse remained silent, too overwhelmed by sadness to respond. They reached the dining table, set with Elyse's favorite dishes, which Jayden disliked. Irritated, he turned to Driscoll and demanded, "I don't like any of this. Remake it." Driscoll, his face tense, glanced at Elyse before nodding. Elyse ignored him and ate.

"Mr. Owen, please allow me a moment. I'll prepare it again," Driscoll said. Jayden's mood softened slightly. Leaning back, he casually observed Elyse, then looked away, feigning disinterest. Soon, the maid brought in new dishes, followed by an anxious Driscoll. "Sir, your favorite dishes are served," the maid announced. Seeing his preferred meal, Jayden's spirits lifted, and he began to eat. Between bites, he casually asked, "When are you coming to see my company?"

Confused, Elyse looked up. "Am I supposed to? You've never involved me in your business. I didn't think you'd keep that from me." She put down her fork, stood, and firmly stated, "I'm done. I'm going to rest." Without another glance, she left.

Jayden, puzzled and annoyed, muttered, "Why is she so angry? I've been good to her. Can't she see that?" Driscoll attempted to intervene, but Jayden dismissed him. "Stop. I've done nothing wrong," Jayden said. Driscoll remained silent, recognizing that understanding love wasn't Jayden's strength.

Elyse went to bed early to rest for the competition. Early the next morning, she quietly left, avoiding Jayden. Descending the stairs, she was greeted by Driscoll's surprised voice. "You're up early. Breakfast isn't ready yet." "It's okay," Elyse replied, a determined look in her eyes. "I need to get to the venue early." Relieved, Driscoll wished her good luck. With a grateful smile, Elyse left, violin case in hand.

In the car, she coordinated final details with Gavin before arriving at Atcupic University. The driver stopped at the gate, explaining, "It's too crowded inside; I'll drop you here." "Alright, I'm off," Elyse acknowledged, unbuckling her seatbelt and grabbing her violin case as she spotted Gavin. "Good luck," the driver called. Waving, Elyse met Gavin, who wore a padded jacket and peaked cap. "You look fine. I was worried I'd lose you," he said, relief evident. Blushing, Elyse apologized. "Sorry for the worry." Gavin sighed. "I was concerned you wouldn't pass the first round." Elyse frowned slightly. "I'm prepared. I'll pass without trouble." "Just be careful not to slip up in the first piece," he advised.

Irving, munching on bread, joined them, followed by Fiona, also carrying a violin case. Seeing Elyse, Fiona beamed and waved enthusiastically, rushing over. "Let's get our numbers. I hope we're not in the same group. I don't want to compete in the first round," Fiona said. Elyse nodded. "I'd rather not face you either." Irving overheard and scoffed. "You should be eager to compete. It shows strength." Unconvinced, Elyse challenged him. "What if you had to compete against Gavin?" Irving glanced at Gavin, who seemed gentle and unassuming, and joked, "I'd be delighted."

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