Chapter 638:

Elyse’s reddened eyes welled with fresh tears. She choked out, “That’s not what I meant at all.”

Jayden’s frustration crackled in the air. “Then spit it out! Don’t you think I’m trying? What more do I need to do to make you happy?”

Elyse furrowed her brow, the gesture a desperate plea for understanding. “No, Jayden, that’s not it. You’ve completely misunderstood.”

Jayden snatched his phone from the desk, his jaw clenched. “Misunderstood? I don’t think so. Here I am, rejecting women left and right for you, and you’re still complaining? I have a meeting. You should head home first.”

Panic surged through Elyse as she realized the chasm of miscommunication. She lunged to explain, but Jayden held up a hand. His voice was firm. “Go home, Elyse. Rest. Think about what you’ve done wrong. I’ll deal with this when I get home.”

Elyse stood rooted, stunned into silence as Jayden swept past her, leaving her alone in the sterile office. A suffocating despair settled over her as she wandered out of the Bayzee Group building, her steps heavy and directionless.

Back at home, Elyse collapsed onto the bed, burying herself beneath the covers. She gnawed on her finger, her mind a tangled mess. Could it truly be her fault?

Fiona trailed behind Cody, a silent shadow, as they returned to Blue Sea Music Studio. The atmosphere inside was thick with tension. Fiona perched gingerly on the sofa, afraid to break the suffocating silence.

Cody returned with two glasses of water, taking a long sip to compose himself before offering one to Fiona. She stared at the glass, the coolness a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her.

Finally, after a leaden silence, Cody spoke, his voice low. “The recent change in your appearance—the manicures, the focus on beauty—it all started because of Jayden, didn’t it?”

Fiona, after a long, hesitant pause, finally nodded. “Yes, Mr. Tucker.”

“You are aware that Jayden is married to Elyse?” Cody’s voice was a quiet rumble.

Fiona offered a small, defeated nod.

“Do you understand the gravity of your actions?” Cody pressed.

Fiona remained silent, the weight of his words pressing down on her. Finally, she mumbled, her head hung low, “I know. I’m trying to take him from Elyse.”

Cody exhaled a heavy sigh, the sound laced with disappointment. “Fiona, you’re being incredibly selfish. You have such a promising future ahead of you. Why throw it all away for this?”

A flicker of defiance sparked in Fiona’s eyes. “Just because I came along later doesn’t mean I’m not right for him. Maybe he’d be happier with me.”

Cody slammed his fist on the table, his voice rising in anger. “You’re delusional! Are you sure this is love, or are you simply jealous of Elyse, envious of her life, and wanting to steal it?”

Fiona bit her lip, stung by his words. “Mr. Tucker, you don’t understand love. How can you say what I feel isn’t real? I’d do anything for Jayden. Isn’t that love?”

Cody’s gaze softened, replaced by a profound sadness. “Fiona, I had such high hopes for you.” He moved to the window, his posture reflecting a deep well of memories.

“Do you remember when I first met you? Such a small girl lost in the joy of violin playing. There was a genuine happiness on your face that has vanished. You’ve forgotten your passion, the music that once filled your heart.”

Shame washed over Fiona. She had a question that had gnawed at her for years. Squirming in her seat, she blurted out, “Mr. Tucker, why did you take me on as your student? I wasn’t talented like Elyse. Why me?”

Cody turned slowly, his gaze holding hers for a long moment. “Does a child with less talent not deserve a chance to learn?”

Fiona found this answer unsatisfactory. “But why keep a mediocre student like me?” she persisted.

Silence stretched between them, broken only by Cody’s heavy sigh. “Honestly, Fiona,” he admitted, a hint of amusement in his voice, “you made excellent tea. That’s why you became my apprentice.”

Fiona’s jaw dropped. “That’s it?”

Cody met her gaze with a knowing look. “The real reason I took you in, Fiona, is because you made the best tea.”

Fiona was not satisfied. “Is that a valid reason?”

Cody sighed deeply. “Fiona, you’ve betrayed Elyse and refuse to accept responsibility. From now on, you are no longer my student.” … … …