Chapter 487:

Elyse assertively seized Vicky's hand and pulled her from the restroom. For the first time, Vicky felt an overpowering aura emanating from Elyse, and in her momentary distraction, she found herself dragged away. Nearing the backstage area, Vicky abruptly broke free.

"That's enough! I've told you to mind your own business. I don't want to compete, okay?" Vicky erupted, her voice echoing with anger.

Elyse stood firm. "I've told you that no matter what, you have to participate."

With a cold smirk, Vicky retorted, "Stop pretending to be kind-hearted. If I drop out, you'll face fewer competitors and win easily. Wouldn't that suit you?"

"For others, maybe. But for me, winning without a challenge is worthless," Elyse replied, her brow furrowed. "Don't talk nonsense if you don't know."

Vicky sneered. "Your insistence is absurd. Do you really want to cause yourself that much trouble?"

Elyse crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow with a confident smirk. "Without a worthy opponent, winning first place would feel meaningless."

"A worthy opponent? Do you consider me worthy?" Vicky asked, a hint of realization dawning.

Elyse nodded instantly. "You're the first person I've competed against who's really made me feel the pressure. I've always been striving to keep up with you."

Elyse's words pierced Vicky's defenses, melting her unease, fear, and confusion.

"Why are you supporting your opponent? Have you never heard of 'kicking a man when he's down'?" Vicky asked, her stubbornness yielding to curiosity.

Elyse snorted. "I'm not like you, always looking to tear others down."

Vicky pointed at Elyse, poised to lash out, but restrained herself, lowering her hand and muttering, "You have no idea what I've been through lately. Your words are meaningless."

Leaning against the wall, Elyse replied seriously, "No matter what you're facing, you can't give up the competition."

Vicky's voice trembled. "Do you just want me there to make you look better?"

A swift, sardonic smile played on Elyse's lips. "Because your dedication to practicing the violin was genuine, and you didn't depend on anyone else's assistance or dishonesty to reach the final. You did it through your own efforts. So don't quit. You need to secure a spot and face tougher competitors."

After a moment of silence, Vicky whispered, "You're really too compassionate."

The door swung open, and a staff member peeked in. Spotting Vicky, he called out, "Vicky, it's your time to go onstage. Come on, let's go. Stop chatting!"

"Did you hear that? Good luck," Elyse said, pushing Vicky toward the stage. A staff member then took Vicky by the arm, guiding her in.

Once Vicky was inside, Darren emerged, grinning. "I think I did well. I believe I've secured a spot in the international competition."

"You helped me stay calm, and now you're my competition," Elyse teased, smiling.

Darren puffed up with pride. "Do you have any regrets? If I remained nervous, I could have been eliminated."

"I don't regret it. In the end, I feel fortunate to be able to compete internationally alongside my friend," Elyse said sincerely.

Darren, flustered, scratched his head.

Curiosity flickering in her eyes, Elyse asked, "What's been going on with Vicky lately? I ran into her earlier, and she mentioned wanting to withdraw from the competition."

"She wants to quit?" Darren echoed in surprise. After a moment, he added, "I'm not fully aware of her situation. All I know is that Abram doesn't seem to pay much attention to her anymore. She's no longer the favored one in our orchestra."

Elyse was taken aback. "Why isn't Abram supporting Vicky? She's his apprentice, dedicated and talented. I don't understand why he's considering abandoning her."

Darren's expression grew somber. "When it comes to power and status, the dynamic between instructor and apprentice can get absurd."

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