Chapter 488:
Elyse knew little about the internal strife within the Celestial Sounds Symphony. She was simply relieved that Vicky hadn't quit. Her goal was to support Vicky without regret.
Elyse put aside her worries about Vicky and rubbed her stomach. "Is there anything to eat around here? I'm starving. If I don't eat soon, I'll have low blood sugar," she said with a hint of frustration.
Darren pulled some chocolate from his pocket. "Didn't you eat breakfast? Have some chocolate quickly. You don't want low blood sugar," he questioned.
Elyse took the chocolate with an embarrassed smile. She was too embarrassed to tell him she'd eaten a breakfast for three that morning and was still hungry.
She patted her flat belly and wondered if her baby was already very hungry.
Watching Elyse eat the chocolate, Darren thought for a moment, then said, "I have some snacks in the lounge—energy boosts I brought. I'll get them for you. Maybe that will help."
Elyse's eyes lit up. "That would be wonderful!"
Darren felt helpless. "You're that hungry? Hold on, I'll go get them."
Elyse waited patiently. They found a secluded backstage spot and snacked while waiting for the competition to end.
After the competition, Freda stepped down from her judging role. Her primary aim—to ensure Elyse's disqualification—was accomplished, so she saw no reason to stay.
Leaving the music hall, she entered an empty corridor and dialed Theo's number. She was eager to tell Theo personally that she was about to eliminate the woman he loved, hinting that if he married her, she wouldn't make things difficult for Elyse.
But before the call connected, her phone was snatched.
"Who are you? How rude!" Freda had hoped Theo would reconsider, but her chance was abruptly cut short. She was furious.
Gavin ended the call, preventing Freda from reaching Theo. He said coldly, "Miss Jimenez, we need to talk."
"What is there to talk about? On what grounds do you think you can speak to me?" Freda didn't recognize Gavin, but his serious, handsome appearance surprised her.
Freda felt guilty and tried to meet Gavin's gaze.
With a serious expression, Gavin asked, "I'm not sure what Elyse did to upset you, but the Champions Cup has always been about fairness and transparency. Could you explain why you scored Elyse so low?"
"Who are you? Why do you care so much about her?" Freda looked Gavin up and down, trying to figure out who he was.
"I am also an apprentice of Cody Tucker," Gavin said clearly. "I overheard your comments about Elyse. I urge you to remain fair if you hold any personal grudges."
He hesitated, then walked slowly, backing Freda into a corner. His imposing presence effectively trapped her.
With a stern face, Gavin said, "Or perhaps you'd prefer to settle this matter privately."
After a tense few seconds, Freda shoved him aside and hurried back to the competition venue.
Returning to her seat, she tried to regain her composure. Shortly after, Gavin reappeared and sat behind her.
Freda felt his gaze on her back. It made her incredibly uneasy.
She clenched her teeth, enraged by everyone's protectiveness of Elyse. She decided to make things difficult for Elyse.
As the final results were about to be announced, the contestants stood on stage, awaiting the judges' decision.
A judge began calling names, noticeably omitting Elyse, sparking audience curiosity. The audience, attentive throughout, was well aware of Elyse's talent. Her omission seemed unthinkable.
The judge also glanced at Freda, having previously warned her that excluding Elyse, given her outstanding performance, would be unjustifiable. He'd suggested placing Elyse first.
However, Freda ignored the judge's advice, determined to prevent Elyse's success.
Elyse, on stage, looked directly at Freda, sensing her involvement. She turned to the judge and asked, "In what way was my performance lacking?"
The judge couldn't answer. He believed Elyse's performance was commendable and couldn't point out any flaws.
Silent and unable to justify the decision, he handed the microphone to Freda, unwilling to take the blame. ... ... ...