Chapter 599:

Elyse carefully pondered Gavin's last words. Noticing her lost in thought again, Gavin sighed softly. She excelled in every way, but tended to overthink.

He gently touched her head. "I'm heading out now. Take care and get some rest."

Leaving the ward, Gavin went to Jayden's. Irving waited at the door. Instead of entering immediately, Gavin sat, patiently waiting for the conversation inside to end.

An hour later, Cody emerged. With no expression, he turned to Gavin. "Let's head back to the studio. On the way, fill me in on Fiona."

Irving intended to join them, but Cody frowned. "Elyse is alone in the ward. Stay with her. She needs someone after everything."

Irving nodded, acknowledging Cody's suggestion.

Gavin and Cody went to the parking lot, discussing Fiona's recent performance and their earlier conversation. Cody frowned deeply. After a long silence, he sighed. "Thanks, Gavin. It must be challenging, but you managed everything well."

Gavin was surprised by the praise and chuckled modestly. "It's challenging. Elyse, Irving, and Fiona have strong personalities, so conflicts are inevitable, but I manage."

Cody nodded understandingly. "You've put in a lot of effort."

They arrived at Blue Sea Music Studio.

As they got out, Gavin started to follow Cody inside, but Cody gently stopped him.

"You had a spat with Fiona. She probably doesn't want to see you. I'll talk to her," Cody explained.

Gavin paused, then nodded.

Inside, Cody found Fiona lounging on the sofa, painting her nails instead of practicing the violin. She was so engrossed she didn't notice him until he sat down. Startled, she quickly put down the brush.

Cody watched as she hurriedly tried to clean up the spilled polish. In her rush, she knocked over two bottles. Her face flushed with embarrassment, she avoided his eyes.

After a few moments, she finished cleaning, her cheeks still flushed. She nervously tucked her hands behind her back. "M-Mr. Tucker."

Observing her apprehension, Cody glanced at the spilled polish. "So, you enjoy painting your nails?"

Fiona hesitated. "No, I just wanted to see how it looked. I usually remove it when I play."

Cody, though unfamiliar with manicures, understood girls enjoyed such things. However, he sensed something was wrong.

He studied her discomfort. "You used to focus solely on the violin. What sparked your interest in manicures?"

Fiona was nervous; Cody's question threatened to expose a secret. But fate intervened.

Looking directly at her, he asked, "Got a crush? You seemed more beautiful than usual today."

Fiona's palms grew clammy. She dreaded him suspecting her feelings for Jayden, Elyse's husband.

She managed an awkward smile. "Mr. Tucker, why do you say that? I've never considered relationships. I'm content alone."

Cody nodded knowingly. "Alright, I get it. It's good to have someone you fancy. Love can bring happiness. I hope you find that."

Fiona remained silent, listening as Cody continued.

"I don't mind you dating or wearing nail polish," he added casually, "as long as you keep up with your violin practice."

Fiona was touched by his unexpected words.

Cody continued, "But you've been harsh with other fellows lately. They care about you. Maybe apologize."

"Alright, I will," Fiona replied reluctantly, inwardly feeling disdainful. She didn't believe they deserved an apology.