Chapter 434:

Fiona remained silent, and Elyse chose not to pry. Ten minutes later, the concert hall doors swung open. One by one, the contestants entered, each carrying their instrument. Determination etched their faces. Elyse stood among them, head held high and unwavering. The previous round's rankings determined the grouping and performance order for the semifinal round.

Elyse was assigned to Group A with Rebekah. Rebekah's face registered shock at seeing Elyse as her competitor, quickly replaced by a fierce glint. "It seems you just keep showing up," she remarked.

Elyse pressed her lips together. "The feeling is mutual. I'd rather we weren't grouped together," she replied.

Memories of Mariana's morning warnings deepened Elyse's frown. Could Rebekah stoop to underhanded tactics?

Lost in thought, Elyse was startled by Rebekah's approach. "What piece have you chosen to perform?" Rebekah asked.

Elyse eyed her warily. "Why do you want to know?"

Rebekah's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Just looking out for you," she replied.

Elyse stepped back. "That's not your business," she retorted.

Elyse walked away, bumping into Darren. "What group are you in?" she asked.

"Group B," Darren replied.

Elyse was surprised; Darren was with Fiona. Observing Darren's steady fingers, she asked with concern, "Are you nervous?"

Darren shook his head. "I think you were right. I didn't know myself that well. I'm more excited than nervous."

Elyse almost confessed she'd fabricated her earlier encouragement, but decided it was better for Darren to feel confident. Smiling, she teased, "We'll get to see your true skills this time."

Darren grinned confidently. "Of course. It's time I showed you what I'm capable of."

Reassured, Elyse was about to relax when the host called her name. She hurried to the stage. Besides her and Rebekah, three other contestants stood nervously eyeing the judges. Having practiced extensively, Elyse was confident in her performance.

The center judge picked up the microphone, surveyed the contestants, and announced, "Group A, your piece is The Czardas. First contestant, please get ready."

Elyse and the others exchanged shocked looks. They had submitted their chosen pieces well in advance. When had this changed?

Backstage, other contestants preparing were equally astonished, murmuring about the organizers' sudden rule change.

In the audience, Irving, equally puzzled, turned to Gavin. "When did they change the rules? Why wasn't I informed? Are you aware of this?"

Gavin looked equally bewildered. "I've never heard of this either."

"Do you think she can make it? I've never heard her play The Czardas," Irving said, his expression worried.

Gavin shook his head. "If she's unfamiliar with the piece, we can pretty much guess the outcome."

Irving's expression grew grim. He pursed his lips, speechless.

Onstage, the host checked the schedule. "You're up first. Please begin whenever you're ready," he said to Elyse.

Elyse nodded, removed her violin from its case, and prepared to play. She caught a glimpse of Rebekah's smug expression. Confusion washed over her. It was unfair to change the piece at the last minute—unless Rebekah had already prepared The Czardas. But what were the odds?

A sudden realization struck Elyse. Startled, she quickly dismissed it. Her priority was the performance.

She positioned her violin, took a deep breath, and began to play. In the auditorium, Gavin and Irving held their breath, fearing Elyse might falter.

Surprisingly, Elyse excelled, demonstrating both technical skill and emotional depth. Midway through, Irving's tension melted away. Gavin, now relaxed, touched his chin and smiled. "Her steady performance really caught me by surprise."

Onstage, Rebekah watched, astonished by the flawlessness of Elyse's performance. She wondered how Elyse had improved so quickly.

Rebekah's nerves flickered briefly. She had an ace up her sleeve. No matter how well Elyse performed, Rebekah was confident she would surpass her.

...