Chapter 414:

Rebekah, with a disdainful glance, spun and marched toward Elyse, brimming with confidence. Facing Elyse, she offered Irving a sarcastic smile. "Wow, another new beau? Leaving the Celestial Sounds Symphony seems to have freed you from your innocent facade."

Elyse bristled. "Cut the sarcasm, Rebekah. I haven't forgotten your scheme with Mabel to frame me."

Rebekah scoffed, feigning innocence. "Are you kidding? I got fired from the orchestra! Let it go."

Elyse blinked, surprised. "You were fired for breaking the rules. What does that have to do with me?"

Rebekah rolled her eyes, crossing her arms dismissively. "Fired or not, I'm miserable, and you're still holding a grudge? Why not just finish me off?"

Elyse snorted. "You have a lot of nerve. Still think you did nothing wrong?"

Irving's phone buzzed—a message from Gavin. "Okay, that's our cue. Gavin's here."

Elyse nodded and followed Irving, ignoring Rebekah.

Rebekah watched them go, resentment simmering in her eyes. Elyse's presence added uncertainty to her prospects. A sly smile played on her lips. "But who says the competition has to be fair? With the right means, anyone can win," she muttered.

The satisfaction of past victories provided a twisted comfort. She was determined to win.

Backstage, Elyse and Irving’s eyes lit up at the sight of Fiona in a breathtaking white dress. "Fiona, you look stunning," Elyse complimented.

Fiona blushed, her fingers fluttering to her face. "It's hard to stay calm," she admitted shyly. "Don't let me get carried away."

Gavin joined them, sighing. "Just focus on the performance. Don't overthink it. As Mr. Tucker's apprentices, you'll shine."

Irving, ever the charmer, crossed his arms with a playful smile. "Sounds like you're the one putting the pressure on them, Gavin."

Gavin chuckled. "Not my intention."

Elyse's lingering resentment caught Gavin's eye. He playfully flicked her forehead.

"Alright, let's move," he said, ushering them forward.

Elyse rubbed her forehead, linked Fiona's arm, and led her to the preparation area.

A heated argument reached their ears. Elyse saw Rebekah arguing fiercely with a stranger.

"Mariana, I told you—you weren't good enough! Now you're spreading rumors about me cheating? Prove it!" Rebekah boomed, hands on her hips.

Mariana Oury, clearly enraged by Rebekah's shameless claims, trembled, her finger pointed accusingly, but she couldn't speak.

Rebekah, reveling in her dominance, pressed on. "What's wrong, Mariana? Lost your tongue? Where'd all that arrogance go?"

Mariana's eyes welled with tears.

Bystanders intervened to separate them.

With a triumphant smirk, Rebekah scanned the room, her gaze landing on Elyse. She raised an eyebrow in a blatant challenge. Even if her victory was tainted, what could Elyse do?

Fueled by this arrogance, Rebekah rejoined the crowd.

Fiona, noticing Elyse's tense posture, whispered, "Do you know her?"

Elyse nodded. "Yes."

Fiona murmured, "She seems like trouble. Best to stay away."

Elyse squeezed Fiona's hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Taking a deep breath, she headed to the backstage lineup. Her number was nearing.

A peek at the stage revealed expectant faces. A thrill of anticipation coursed through her. This was the dawn of a new chapter in her musical dream.