Chapter 441:

Elyse struggled to hold the flowers. Catching Darren’s playful gaze, she felt self-conscious.

Tracy happily linked arms with Elyse, exclaiming, “Since your husband had to go to the Owen Group, I’ll be your companion for the day! Let’s celebrate!”

Darren eagerly gestured toward himself. “I finished third! May I join the festivities?”

Tracy smiled warmly. “Absolutely! Elyse’s husband gave me his card. Tell me what gifts you need, and I’ll get them for him.”

Elyse blushed, quickly nudging Tracy. “Hey! Keep it down!”

Tracy, even more self-satisfied, couldn't resist flaunting the multi-million-dollar card.

As they discussed dinner, a luxurious white Rolls-Royce Ghost arrived. Elyse and Darren stared in disbelief. Tracy’s face hardened as she watched the car.

Shaun emerged, carrying a bouquet of flowers. He approached Elyse with purposeful strides. “Congratulations, Ms. Lloyd, on winning the semi-final,” he said, smiling.

Elyse glanced at Shaun, then at the silent Tracy, unsure whether to accept the flowers.

Darren quickly intervened, taking the bouquet from Shaun. “I’ll take these for Elyse,” he said, smiling warmly.

Shaun glanced at Tracy, a slight smile playing on his lips. “I’d be delighted to invite all three of you to dinner.”

He opened the car door. Elyse and Darren, speechless, looked at Tracy with dropped jaws.

Tracy looked up at Shaun and yelled, “No way! You just want to kidnap me! Why should I go with you? Leave me alone!”

Shaun, looking quizzical, gently took Tracy’s arm and guided her toward the car. He settled her inside, then joined her, closing the door. Lowering the window, he held the struggling Tracy and smiled kindly at Elyse. “Ms. Lloyd, please join us.”

Elyse and Darren exchanged hesitant glances before agreeing, “We’ll go too.” Given Tracy’s situation, they felt they had to comply.

Tracy pushed away Shaun’s hand. “I refuse to go with you, jerk! Let me out, or I’ll call the police!”

Shaun ignored her, covering her mouth again.

Concerned, Elyse got into the back seat, with Darren in the passenger seat.

Shaun drove them to a villa complex—not Elyse and Jayden’s neighborhood.

A call came from Gavin. Elyse answered. “Hey, what’s up?”

“Sorry I didn’t see you after the competition; I was looking for Fiona. Are you home?”

Elyse glanced at the imposing villa, uneasy. “No, I’m out to dinner with friends,” she said, her voice strained.

“Great! Enjoy yourself. Keep practicing for the final and aim for first place.”

Elyse nodded. “And Fiona? How is she?”

“Take care of yourself,” Gavin said, looking at a sobbing Fiona. “She’s still ahead of you in average performance, so keep pushing.”

“I see. Got it!” Elyse hung up.

Gavin put away his phone. “I understand you’re disappointed, but you can learn from this. Stay positive and focus on the final.”

Fiona didn’t respond, only crying harder. She felt ashamed that Elyse, her junior, had outperformed her. This threatened her sense of dignity.

Gavin felt a headache coming on. He couldn’t understand Fiona’s distress. He didn't realize her tears stemmed from embarrassment. Despite her distress, he and Irving remained calm and supportive.

…