Chapter 425:

As the sun rose, Elyse awoke, feeling weak in her legs. She lingered in bed, but eventually got up reluctantly. She had risen an hour earlier than usual.

Seeing her descend the stairs, Driscoll was surprised. "Mrs. Owen," he asked, "are you heading to the studio? The cook hasn't made breakfast yet."

Realizing her early start, Elyse shook her head. "It's okay," she replied. "I'll skip breakfast at home. Please have the driver take me to the studio."

Driscoll immediately went to prepare the car. Upon reaching the studio, Elyse practiced after finishing the sandwiches she had bought on the way.

When Fiona arrived at her usual time, she was uneasy seeing Elyse so immersed in practice. Approaching Elyse, Fiona offered a wry smile. "I wasn't anxious initially, but your intensity is giving me a crisis!"

She sighed, overwhelmed. "You're incredibly competitive!"

Elyse managed a smile despite feeling inadequate. "Fiona, I'm not very skilled. If I were as skilled as you, I wouldn't need to practice this much."

Fiona playfully poked Elyse's waist. "You're not telling the truth. I think you're the hardest-working violinist here."

After a brief exchange, Elyse returned to her practice. Inspired by Elyse's dedication, Fiona took her violin outside and began practicing alone.

Gavin and Irving arrived later. Surprised to find Fiona playing in the small garden, they asked, "Did you start practicing this early?"

Fiona sighed. "Elyse was here before me."

Gavin and Irving exchanged puzzled looks and entered the building. Irving frowned. "Elyse, what time did you get here?"

Pausing her practice, Elyse checked her watch. "Around six-thirty," she answered uncertainly.

Irving was shocked. "You've been practicing for hours?"

Gavin, concerned, added, "Did you eat breakfast? I know the competition is important, but don't overdo it."

Elyse blinked reassuringly. "I'm fine. I ate a hearty breakfast." She had eaten more than usual that morning because she'd exerted a lot of energy the previous night.

Understanding her resolve, Gavin turned to Irving. "You focus on teaching her technique. I'll discuss strategy with her this afternoon."

Irving crossed his arms, gave Elyse an evaluative look, and nodded. "Alright. I'll take good care of teaching her."

Elyse looked puzzled and apprehensive at the thought of Irving as her temporary instructor. She feared her morale would collapse under his teaching.

Noticing her distressed expression, Irving arched an eyebrow. "What's with that look? Don't you want me to be your temporary instructor?"

Elyse hesitated, nodding, then shaking her head. "Why isn't Gavin guiding me?" she asked timidly.

While Gavin was strict, he was never overly harsh. Irving, however, was known for his biting critiques. Elyse doubted she could endure more than an hour of his sharp comments!

Irving grinned. "Come on, don't be dramatic. You should be thankful for guidance from someone like me!"

Elyse felt utterly hopeless.

In the chaotic private room of a bar, Freda lay on the sofa clutching her stomach and sweating profusely. Alena, flushed and reeking of alcohol, was sprawled on a bar blanket, snoring intermittently. Freda felt groggy and sleepy, but stomach discomfort kept her awake. Overwhelmed by sadness the previous day, she'd invited Alena to the bar for a distraction. They'd invited several male escorts and she had drunk excessively.

Freda turned to Alena for help, but Alena was too sound asleep to be roused. Left with no other option, Freda reluctantly called Theo, desperately hoping he would answer and take her back to school. Though her face remained expressionless, a glimmer of hope flickered within her. Perhaps he would take pity on her? But as the phone continued to ring unanswered, that hope faded. Theo would not answer her.