Chapter 567:

Fiona seethed with envy whenever she looked at Elyse. Elyse’s undeniable talent attracted the attention of both Gavin and Irving, who vied to mentor her. Her popularity was unrivaled; even young Forrest, a former admirer of Fiona’s, now spent more time with Elyse. Even Cody, known for his aloofness, showed Elyse unusual kindness and care. All the attention Elyse received felt like a knife twisting in Fiona’s heart. No matter how hard she tried, she felt constantly overshadowed. The realization that she could never match Elyse's place in everyone's hearts gnawed at her.

Fiona's only remaining "advantage" was her seniority at the studio. Lately, even that felt meaningless; Elyse had begun to lecture her. "Who are you to talk down to me?" Fiona demanded. "You just don't want to see me succeed!"

Elyse's eyes widened in shock. "Fiona, how could you say that?"

Fiona's chest heaved with fury. "Even you tried to lecture me! Why can't I say this?"

A flash of hurt crossed Elyse's face. She sighed. "Maybe it's my fault. If you hate me so much, don't come to the hospital with me tomorrow, and you don't need to stay here tonight."

Fiona's expression hardened. "No, I'll be there tomorrow. And I'm not leaving today."

Gavin, observing the exchange, was puzzled by Fiona's sudden outburst. He intervened. "Fiona, do you know what you're saying? If you don't want to compete, I'll tell Mr. Tucker to withdraw you."

Silence hung heavy in the air. Fiona couldn't bring herself to admit she wanted to quit.

"Then fill out the form," Gavin ordered, his tone brooking no argument.

Tears brimming in her eyes, Fiona pointed at Freda. "She started it! Why aren't you yelling at her?"

Freda remained calm, inspecting her manicure, unfazed by Fiona's outburst.

Gavin's tone was firm. "That's enough. Isn't Freda right? You were given a chance to participate in the extra round and re-rank, and you failed to seize it. You simply forfeited."

Fiona's face went pale; disbelief and betrayal washed over her. Gavin's words cut deep—accusing her for Freda's sake was unimaginable.

Elyse, noticing Fiona's distress, gently suggested, "Fiona, you've been under a lot of stress lately. Maybe you should take a break."

Ignoring Elyse, Fiona snatched the registration form and stormed out. Since Elyse had said she couldn't stay overnight, Fiona saw no reason to be polite.

Gavin sighed wearily, said goodbye to Elyse, and hurried after Fiona.

Freda found the drama intriguing. She'd assumed everyone at Blue Sea Music Studio got along, but it seemed they had their share of internal conflicts.

Turning to Elyse, Freda asked, "Miss Jimenez, why exactly did you come to my home today?"

Freda raised an eyebrow. "What are you implying?"

Elyse's gaze was steady. "You said you've given up on Theo. Is that true?"

Freda's smile faltered slightly. "Of course. Why do you ask?"

Elyse's tone grew serious. "Your animosity towards me has always puzzled me. I ended things with Theo a long time ago. Besides, I am now married and pregnant."

Freda glanced at Elyse's belly. She hadn't expected Jayden to father Elyse's child, assuming he was incapable.

"Enough," Freda said firmly. "I've ended things with Theo. There's no animosity left towards you. Just rest assured." Freda's target was Gavin; dealing with Elyse would come after the birth.

With that, Freda left without hesitation.

Watching Freda go, Elyse let out a deep breath. Freda claimed she was done with Theo, but Elyse remained unconvinced.

Meanwhile, in an ordinary car nearby, Jayden and Tobin waited. They had been watching for hours, hoping to spot their target. Their patience was rewarded when a figure in a black down jacket, hat, and mask entered an old apartment complex. It was Lanny, casing Morgan's place.