Chapter 428:

Theo ate breakfast in his office while catching up on unanswered messages from the previous night. A call from Freda interrupted him, eliciting a flicker of disgust. Instead of hanging up, he let the call go to voicemail. Zandra, eager to solidify a union with the Jimenez family through her son's marriage and access their resources and connections, prevented Theo from completely severing ties with Freda.

After responding to his messages, he opened a news app and saw a top story about the advanced contestants from yesterday's Champions Cup selection competition. A photo of Elyse accompanied the article; seeing it brightened his eyes, and he quickly saved the image to his favorites.

Just then, Zandra entered, her high heels clicking on the floor. She gave her son a complex look. They had been avoiding each other since their last argument, barely speaking even on the phone. She hadn't seen Theo in a while and missed him. Concerned about his recent date with Freda, she'd come to check on him.

Containing her emotions, she tapped her fingertips on the table and asked stiffly, "How was your date with Freda yesterday?"

Theo replied calmly, "I did all I could. Whether she's satisfied, I can't say, nor do I care."

Zandra sighed at his indifferent response. "I think Freda really likes you. Why don't you consider her? After all, sincere love is valuable."

Theo's reply was cold. "That's true for me, too. Elyse is my only love, and I don't want anyone else."

Seeing Theo's stubbornness, Zandra decided not to push further; it would only irritate him. She knew Elyse had no interest in Theo; her heart belonged to Jayden. As long as Elyse's feelings remained unchanged, that was all that mattered.

"All right," Zandra advised, "but for the sake of the Jimenez family's resources, you'd better treat Freda well and take her out more often to keep her happy. Only then can our cooperation continue smoothly."

Theo frowned. "I know. I don't need reminding. I'll do what's necessary."

Zandra observed his cold but handsome face, noting his resemblance to his father. A mix of emotions flickered in her eyes as she softly asked, "Have you been in touch with your father recently?"

Theo's demeanor softened. As long as the conversation avoided Freda, he was more open. "Dad is doing well. He's in the forest, found some rare plants, and stayed to observe them. The signal there is poor, so he receives news slowly."

Zandra leaned against the table, arms crossed, imagining her husband engrossed in his botanical studies. She finally sighed, nodded, and said, "Okay, I see. As long as he's safe." Then, she left Theo's office.

Theo was surprised she hadn't pushed him to give up Elyse for Freda. Unexpectedly, his mother seemed to have changed, choosing not to nag as usual. Theo's mood lifted.

At the Blue Sea Music Studio, Fiona lounged on the sofa, enjoying a self-made hot dog. She had been practicing for hours and couldn't continue the high-intensity practice any longer, but Elyse continued without pause.

Worried, Fiona urged, "Elyse, stop practicing. Come and eat something." Playing the violin required physical stamina, so Fiona ensured nutritious meals daily.

Elyse, however, didn't respond; she was lost in her music.

Gavin, noticing this, smiled and said, "Forget it. Elyse's in the zone. She got scolded by Irving this morning, and I doubt she'll stop anytime soon."

Fiona glanced at Irving, who was devouring a hot dog. Feeling their gazes, Irving chuckled. "Why are you looking at me? I wasn't wrong to scold her. It was her mistake. As her senior, I have a responsibility."

Fiona frowned. "I saw tears in her eyes."

Gavin added, "She was sniffling."

Irving replied indifferently, "So what? I did it for her own good. She didn't complain and kept practicing, didn't she?" . . .