Chapter 393:

Elyse, bubbling with excitement, turned to Fiona. "Fiona, what about you?" Fiona flashed her phone screen, smiling. "I got first place in Group D." Darren cleared his throat, pulling out his phone. "I'm topping Group B this time—no fumbles!" Irving interjected bluntly, "Flub the first round, and you might as well quit. No more practice; go home." Darren's smile faded; Irving's words hit hard.

Elyse noticed someone had posted the group leaderboards online. Seeing Vicky's name, she remarked calmly, "Vicky's in Group C, and she's also in first place." Despite Vicky's unpleasant personality, her talent was undeniable. Failing wasn't an option for her. Elyse continued scrolling. The name at the top of Group E surprised her. "Darren, is this person leading Group E who I think it is?" Darren looked puzzled and leaned in to check.

Gavin, hearing the name for the first time, asked curiously, "Who is she?" Elyse's expression was conflicted. She began to speak, but Darren interrupted, his tone sour. "Rebekah? She was kicked out of Celestial Sounds Symphony. She's mediocre, and now she's claiming the top spot." Elyse said uncertainly, "Maybe leaving Celestial Sounds Symphony made Rebekah stronger." Darren sneered, "You really believe that?"

Darren's words left Elyse speechless. Irving scratched his head irritably. "Whatever she did, it's none of our business. The next round is in three days. If you want to compete internationally, focus on your practice." They nodded, gathered their violin cases, and left. After saying goodbye to Darren, Elyse returned to Blue Sea Music Studio. Cody wasn't there, so Gavin called him, though he sounded busy.

After hearing the results, Cody said, "Good job, but this is just the beginning. Being my apprentice requires more than just getting through this stage." Encouraged, Elyse and Fiona threw themselves into practice. Irving watched them and asked Gavin, "How far do you think those two will go?" Gavin replied, "As far as they can. I'm not here to discuss philosophy."

"Oh, forget it," Irving said, feeling they were at odds. "It's like talking to a brick wall." After a brief, unproductive exchange, Irving left by three in the afternoon, as did Gavin. Elyse, drenched in sweat, didn't dare stop practicing. The competition rankings had made it clear: Fiona, Darren, and Vicky were her rivals.

Elyse finally understood Irving's assessment of her naiveté. This was a battleground; there were no allies, only adversaries. As she rested in the yard, a black car pulled up. Taking a sip of water, Elyse glanced at it. Theo stepped out. After finishing her water, she stood and approached him. "What are you doing here?"

Theo, in a black overcoat over a neatly pressed suit, appeared thinner, his jawline sharper. Elyse's stance, blocking his path, was clearly defensive. Seeing her guarded expression, Theo swallowed and said softly, "You don't have to be wary. I'm not here to cause trouble." Elyse sneered. "Really?"

Theo said, "I know you don't trust me, and I don't expect you to." He paused, his deep, affectionate, and pained gaze fixed on Elyse. "I put Kaelyn behind bars. She deserves it," he confessed.

Elyse's expression turned cold. "What does that have to do with me? She's the one who hurt me." Theo said, "I want to take you to see Kaelyn. She has something to say to you." Elyse found this amusing. "So you're here to fulfill Kaelyn's wish?" Theo looked sad. "No, I promised her I'd come because I wanted to see you."