Chapter 416:

Elyse, completely absorbed in the music, shut her eyes, revealing her true potential. Even after the final note, she remained engrossed, unable to snap out of it.

Suddenly, a single, enthusiastic clap broke the silence, filling the hall. The entire crowd turned to the source, as did Elyse. Theo, despite the intense scrutiny, rose and openly applauded.

Encouraged by Theo, even those who initially hadn't understood began applauding for Elyse. The applause quickly escalated from sporadic clapping to a thunderous ovation, taking Elyse aback. She was just a participant; this level of attention was unexpected.

"Stop standing there looking clueless! Show some appreciation!" Irving's distress was evident as he grasped the edge of the stage, his frustration reflected in his eyes.

Elyse quickly regained her composure, gracefully bowing her thanks. The host guided her offstage.

"Haha! Why is she still so oblivious?" Theo chuckled, watching Elyse leave.

Freda heard him. Despite the applause, she remained silent, her arms tightly crossed. Jealousy and envy washed over her as she watched Elyse.

Earlier, Elyse's captivating presence and haunting melodies had filled the room, stirring deep emotions and a sense of serenity in Freda. Freda was irresistibly drawn to Elyse's brilliance, a fact complicated by Elyse's status as a romantic rival. How could she possibly appreciate someone competing for her love interest's affection?

Theo, oblivious to Freda's emotional turmoil, was engrossed in a video on his phone, headphones on. While the other contestants' performances were captivating, he couldn't look away from the video of Elyse. She was his sole focus.

After leaving the stage, Elyse's heart raced as she rushed into Fiona's arms.

"Fiona, I can't believe it's over!"

Fiona, momentarily staggered by the impact, laughed. "I saw that! You were beautiful! I was mesmerized!"

"Oh, stop teasing me!" Elyse, believing Fiona to be more talented, released her. "Hey, when are you performing?"

"Not yet. In a while." Fiona extended her hands, perspiration glistening on her palms. "The Champions Cup has a formidable lineup. I'm getting nervous."

Elyse offered Fiona a tissue. "You're resilient! Keep your composure. They're no match for you!"

As Fiona took a deep breath, she was forcefully bumped, nearly losing her balance.

"Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Elyse, furious, helped Fiona up and confronted the offender.

Vicky, in a sleek black dress, her hair elegantly swept up, haughtily turned. She cast a disdainful glance at Fiona.

"Oh, I bumped that weakling? Sorry. So what?"

Elyse's eyes burned with rage. "You're being arrogant!"

Vicky confidently approached. "Arrogant? I haven't even said anything harsh, and you're complaining?" Her voice was derisive, her eyes devoid of warmth. She then pushed Elyse backward. "If trouble is what you want, I'll give you premium!"

Seeing the situation escalate, Fiona quickly separated them, shielding Elyse. "Get out of here!"

Vicky sneered at Elyse. "Scared now?!"

Elyse, eyes bloodshot, wondered how Vicky had become this way.

Vicky, without another word, walked away, but her eyes caught Rebekah hiding in the audience. Vicky immediately approached her. Glancing at Rebekah's black dress, she sneered, "You had the guts to wear the same color as me? Do you really think you can pull off black? Look at you!"

Rebekah, biting her lip, retorted, "Why shouldn't I wear black? Do you own the color? You're delusional!"

...