Chapter 491:

Darren glanced at Vicky and remarked, "You've rehearsed this repeatedly. There's no need for such smugness. Can't you hold back a bit?"

Vicky let out a dismissive snort. "Why should I hide my confidence? Haven't I been doing just that for years?" she grinned.

Darren was about to respond when Elyse's performance began, capturing his attention and silencing him.

Vicky, too, was intrigued to see how Elyse would handle the piece. Elyse had always struggled to showcase her skills effectively; despite practice, she'd never mastered that particular piece. But, to everyone's surprise, Elyse delivered a shocking performance. She played the violin with remarkable fluidity, brilliantly capturing the essence of the struggle between good and evil.

Seeing this, Darren realized Elyse had mastered the piece and remarked, "It seems Elyse has improved."

Vicky clenched her teeth, inwardly cursing Elyse's swift improvement. However, she saw an upside: consistent refinement would allow her to challenge Elyse. A formidable lifelong rival seemed appealing.

Darren expected a retort, but Vicky merely rolled her eyes and walked away.

He touched his nose. "What's wrong with her? Why didn't she argue back? Is she intimidated?"

Meanwhile, onstage, Elyse completed her performance to resounding applause. She bowed gracefully before exiting, clearly pleased.

As she neared Darren, he taunted, "Looks like you're set to take first place again."

Elyse winked. "That will depend on the judges' fairness," she replied.

Darren laughed heartily and made his way to the stage. He hadn't practiced extensively, yet felt confident.

After leaving the stage, Elyse searched for Fiona, wondering if she'd gone to the restroom. Unexpectedly, Fiona hadn't returned even after several contestants performed.

Elyse's anxiety escalated to tears. "Where is Fiona? It's her turn! How will she be ranked without participating?" she exclaimed.

Observing Elyse's distress, Darren remarked, "Have you considered she might have chosen not to compete and left quietly?"

"That's impossible! She wouldn't just leave!" Elyse immediately retorted.

With a solemn expression, Darren countered, "Did you not realize Fiona wasn't listed in the qualifiers before the extra round?"

This revelation left Elyse speechless. She hadn't noticed.

Darren sighed and guided her backstage, just as the ninth contestant left the stage. A staff member announced, "Miss Fiona Evans, please come to the stage for your performance!"

Despite repeated calls, there was no response. The staff member turned to the audience. "Does anyone know where Fiona is?"

"I've searched everywhere but haven't found her," Elyse replied quietly.

The staff member checked his watch. "If she does not appear shortly, she will be deemed to have forfeited."

Elyse felt powerless and watched helplessly as the staff member consulted the judges.

Gavin, seated behind the judges, was taken aback by the announcement. Elyse avoided his gaze, unwilling to confront him unless he inquired.

The competition concluded without Fiona. After deliberation, the judges announced the results: First place, Elyse Lloyd; second place, Vicky Aston; third place, Mariana Dury; seventh place, Darren Reynolds; and eighth place, Cassidy Lipson.

As Elyse reappeared onstage, her victory felt bittersweet. Fiona's withdrawal dampened her spirits.

Vicky stood beside her, forcing a smile. "It seems you're my only true competitor. Even Darren doesn't measure up," she remarked.

The ellipsis (...) at the end is unnecessary unless more text follows.