Chapter 484:

Tracy, seeing herself as a guardian of Elyse and Jayden's love, took it upon herself to reconcile them. She made it clear that if they didn't reward her handsomely after their reconciliation, she wouldn't help them next time.

To Elyse's astonishment, Jayden appeared, despite their intense quarrel. Finding the situation complex, Elyse stared at a photo on her phone for a moment before texting, "I understand." She then put her phone away.

Tracy noticed Elyse's softened expression. Raising an eyebrow, she playfully asked, "Feeling better? He's waiting for you in the audience, isn't he?"

Elyse nodded. "I didn't expect him to come."

Tracy clapped her hands. "Mission accomplished! I'll wait in the audience. You should head backstage to prepare."

Elyse nodded, watching Tracy leave. She retrieved her lipstick, applied it, and gazed at her reflection until she felt calm.

As the time approached, Fiona said, "Let's head backstage."

"Alright, let's go."

Elyse linked arms with Fiona and they strolled backstage. En route, they encountered Vicky and Darren.

Upon seeing Elyse, Darren left Vicky and approached with a smile. "Ready? I'm aiming for first place!"

Elyse smiled back. "Of course. I'm afraid you might not beat me."

Vicky, witnessing their friendly banter, was speechless. "What a revolting conversation! Top competitors shouldn't be so friendly! You should be rivals!"

Elyse looked at Vicky quizzically. "Do you only see people as competitors, not friends?"

"Can you be friends with rivals?" Vicky scoffed.

Elyse calmly replied, "Human relationships are complex and can't be defined by a single word. Darren and I are both friends and rivals. We understand and challenge each other—it's a beautiful dynamic."

Darren stifled a laugh. "Let's drop it. Vicky, the genius, has no friends, only sycophants—that's why she hates socializing."

"Darren Reynolds!" Vicky was furious. She couldn't understand Darren's support of Elyse, especially since she'd known him longer. "Why do you always oppose me? Shouldn't you be against Elyse, your rival?" she asked, aggrieved.

Darren confidently replied, "Elyse is my friend. We're close, and naturally, I'll take her side."

"Hopeless! Pathetic!" Vicky, refusing further engagement, quickly walked away, clutching her violin case.

Elyse frowned, observing Vicky's somber demeanor. "Did we push too hard? She seems upset."

Darren shook his head. "I wish she'd allow herself to be sad. Maybe she'd reflect on her issues. She's always been arrogant, never admitting fault."

Then, a thought struck Darren. "Vicky's been struggling lately. She's making mistakes in the orchestra, and Grace is outperforming her. She's probably doubting herself, which explains her behavior."

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