Chapter 413:

"Don't forget Theo's ex-girlfriend is a violinist," Alena Walsh, Freda's best friend, continued. "If he's inviting you to enjoy music, maybe it's to see her."

Freda hesitated. "No way," she responded uncertainly. "Theo wouldn't do that, would he?"

Alena snorted. "Who knows? That's how men are. I don't think you need to bother making any special preparations. Maybe he really is taking you to see his ex-girlfriend. What will you do then?"

Anger flared in Freda as she clenched her teeth. Alena might be right; the date could end in disappointment. Yet, she believed in Theo's affection and trusted he wouldn't intentionally hurt her.

"No, I don't think so," Freda insisted. "I trust Theo isn't the type to hurt me intentionally. Even if he's not into me, he wouldn't harm me."

In his office, Theo attentively listened to his 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 mid-sentence. "Alright," he said. "Proceed as discussed. You may leave."

The manager nodded and left.

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

"Yes," Jaime replied. "I've looked into it. She will be competing, and I've arranged for someone to secure front-row tickets. We'll have them."

Theo nodded thoughtfully. "Then why did you appear so concerned when you entered? Isn't acquiring front-row tickets a positive development?"

Jaime's expression turned bitter. "Well, just as I entered, I received word that your mother wants you to accompany Miss Jimenez. Apparently, she's been in a foul mood lately."

Theo scoffed. "Asking me to coax 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; you must comply, or she'll have you transferred abroad, only allowing you to return after five years."

Theo sneered, his eyes brimming with disdain. As Zandra's only son, he was the heir apparent. His mother didn't want him with Elyse, so she'd resort to this tactic.

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

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

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

Theo replied casually, "Freda seems to be in a sour mood, doesn't she? Perhaps inviting her to enjoy music will lift her spirits."

Jaime wanted to point out the potential cruelty of this, but remained silent. He felt sorry for Freda, but obediently agreed to purchase the tickets, knowing Theo was deeply in love with Elyse.

"Understood, Mr. Ward," Jaime said promptly. "I'll ensure the task is completed."

Alena, perceptive as ever, realized how deeply Freda had fallen for Theo. She placed a hand on Freda's shoulder. "Call me anytime tomorrow," she offered. "I'll come and get you if you need it."

Freda irritably shrugged off her hand. "I've already said Theo isn't like that."

Freda looked forward to the date the next day.

However, upon arriving at the music hall and seeing the massive poster of Elyse, she was stunned. She stood motionless, her face a mask of disbelief.

Did Theo really bring her to see Elyse's performance? Why was he being so heartless? He knew she had feelings for him!

A lump formed in Freda's throat, tears threatening to spill. Her feet felt glued to the floor.

She was determined to confront Theo and get an answer; she wouldn't leave until she had one.

The backstage area of the music hall bustled. Elyse, in a purple gown with her hair in a bun, leaned against the wall next to Irving.

Irving glanced repeatedly at his watch. "Don't worry, it's still early," he said. "Even with traffic, Gavin will get Fiona here on time."

Noticing his anxious demeanor, Elyse teased him, "I thought you said you never get nervous at competitions, yet here you are, all jittery about this one."

Irving shot her a look. "Yeah, because I'm concerned about you and Fiona. I don't want the two of you to embarrass Mr. Tucker and me."

Elyse frowned. "Irving, we're not going to lose. Take back those words, or you'll really make me mad."

With a playful smirk, Irving responded, "I'd like to see you angry."

Elyse threw a punch, but Irving easily dodged it. Determined to teach him a lesson, she continued to joke around with him.

A sudden breeze caught her attention as someone walked past.

"Rebekah…" Elyse murmured, her gaze fixed.

Dressed in a black gown, Rebekah exuded arrogance. Elyse remembered Rebekah had topped her group in the first round, allegedly through unfair means.

When Rebekah heard her name, she turned. "What a coincidence seeing you here, Elyse," she said with a slight nod.

…