Chapter 412:

Elyse, feeling powerless, asked, "Do you happen to know that man's name? If you're interested in him, I can help you pursue him."

Fiona sighed. "I asked him, but he refused to give his name. He said he just saved me, for no reason." She paused, then added admiringly, "He was undeniably awesome."

Elyse's lips twitched; she wasn't sure how to respond.

Fiona said with frustration, "I should have been more assertive yesterday. Now I don't even know his name. Finding him again will be difficult."

"There could be a future opportunity. Perhaps he works nearby," Elyse reassured her.

Fiona nodded. "You're right."

Elyse resumed playing the violin. "Fiona, let's keep practicing. If Gavin comes back and sees we've been slacking, he'll make us practice longer."

Fiona nodded. "Let's begin. We can't afford to be caught slacking."

In his office, Theo listened attentively to the manager's report. Suddenly, his assistant, Jaime Cruz, rushed in and whispered urgently in his ear.

Furrowing his brow, Theo raised his hand, interrupting the manager. "All right, proceed as discussed. You may leave."

The manager nodded and left.

Turning to Jaime, Theo asked, "Is it true Elyse is participating in that competition tomorrow?"

Jaime replied, "Yes, I've checked. She's competing, and I've arranged for front-row tickets. We have them."

Theo nodded thoughtfully. "Then why did you seem so concerned? Aren't front-row tickets a positive development?"

Jaime's expression soured. "Just as I came in, I heard your mother wants you to accompany Miss Jimenez. Apparently, she's been in a bad mood."

Theo scoffed. "Asking me to court Freda? Hasn't she given up yet? Why force a connection with the Jimenez family through marriage?"

Jaime sighed helplessly. "I wish I knew. But your mother insisted; otherwise, you'll be transferred abroad for five years."

Theo sneered, his eyes brimming with disdain. As Zandra's only son, he was the heir to the company. But she didn't want him with Elyse, so she'd use this as leverage.

Theo acknowledged it was a clever strategy. At least it would force him to take matters seriously.

After a moment, he instructed, "Go ahead and secure the tickets for tomorrow."

Jaime was surprised. "Mr. Ward, do you intend to take Miss Jimenez to watch Ms. Lloyd's performance?"

Theo replied casually, "Freda seems to be in a bad mood. Perhaps enjoying some music will cheer her up."

Jaime wanted to point out the cruelty of this, but remained silent. He felt sorry for Freda, but knew Theo was deeply in love with Elyse. He nodded. "Understood, Mr. Ward. I'll ensure it's done."

Two hours later, Freda, enjoying a facial with her friend Alena Walsh at a beauty salon, received Theo's message. Delighted, she exclaimed, "See? Theo invited me to enjoy some music! He must have feelings for me."

Alena glanced at the message. "Enjoy music? Could it be his ex-girlfriend's performance?"

[End of excerpt]