Chapter 415

A chill wind nipped at Freda as she spotted Theo through the glass doors of the music hall. Clad in a brown overcoat and gold-rimmed glasses, he stood in the brisk morning air. This new look caught Freda off guard, momentarily softening the edge of her resentment. Mustering composure, she asked, her voice deliberately cool, "Did you drag me here just to see Elyse? That's offensive."

Theo glanced at her indifferently. "If you don't want to see her, you can leave."

His tone stung. Freda hadn't expected such a dismissal.

"Theo," she pleaded, "even if you don't feel the same, there's no need to treat me like this. You know how I feel about you. Why can't you be decent?"

She'd swallowed her pride for him. Why couldn't he see her worth? She was certain he knew of her feelings.

Theo took out his phone and snapped a photo of Elyse's poster. With an air of indifference, he said, "You know who I like. Why can't you just give up on me?"

Freda's face paled, and she was speechless.

Theo's sneer deepened as he tossed a ticket at her. "Here. Up to you if you join me or not. Just don't complain to my mother later."

Freda's anger simmered. "So, this whole charade is just for your mother?"

"What else would it be? A date?" Theo's voice was mocking.

Freda was utterly speechless.

Theo didn't spare her another glance. He entered the music hall, ticket in hand.

Freda stood there, the ticket crumpled tightly in her grasp, her nails digging into her palm. She should rip it up, walk away with her head held high, and end things with Theo. But she lacked the courage.

After a long, silent struggle, she entered the music hall, feeling like a spineless puppet.

Finding her seat, Freda saw Theo was already settled. A flicker of surprise crossed his face, but it vanished quickly. He offered no greeting, his expression as cold as before.

Freda gritted her teeth under his gaze, burning with embarrassment. She sat rigidly, a storm of emotions churning within her. Confusion gnawed at her. Why was she doing this? She wasn't starved for attention. Beautiful and wealthy, she had her pick of suitors, yet here she was, groveling at Theo's feet. Was it love?

Freda gnawed on her nail, unconvinced. She chose to believe it was possessiveness, a burning desire to win. Jealousy consumed her—how dare Elyse so easily capture Theo's attention?

The performance began, but Freda ignored the music. Her mind was solely on Elyse. She wanted to see what made this woman so captivating, so worthy of Theo's constant fixation.

The announcement of Elyse's turn jolted Freda upright. She saw Theo switch his phone to camera mode, aiming it at the stage.

Unaware of the scrutiny, Elyse glided onto the stage. Her violin cradled in one hand, the other gracefully gathered the hem of her long purple dress.

A nod from the host marked the start of her performance. The piece wasn't technically demanding, but its simplicity revealed the performer's musical soul.

Below the stage, Irving watched intently, murmuring, "Her vibrato is superb, smoother than ever. Your guidance paid off."

Gavin, rarely serious, chimed in, "Her foundation needs work, but she's talented. Days of practice show immense progress."

Irving leaned back, worry tugging at his heart. "Watching Elyse play… it makes me nervous. Fiona's foundation is much stronger."

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