Chapter 639:

Fiona’s mind went blank, and her face paled. After a few silent seconds, she realized Cody wasn’t joking. He genuinely intended to end their mentor-apprentice relationship.

Shaking, Fiona asked in disbelief, “Mr. Tucker, are you serious? You’re really dismissing me as your apprentice?”

A flicker of hesitation crossed Cody’s face, but he quickly regained his composure. “You tried to seduce Elyse’s husband, deeply hurting her. I can’t justify keeping you here.”

“But I just fell for her husband. What’s wrong with that? Is loving someone a mistake?” Fiona defended herself, feeling no wrongdoing.

Cody looked at her, disappointment evident. “Falling in love isn’t the issue, but pursuing a married man is. You coveted Elyse’s life and sought to replace her. That was your fault.”

Tears streamed down Fiona’s cheeks, not from guilt, but from frustration that no one understood her love. She had sacrificed so much for it, yet even Cody failed to see her perspective.

Eyes red and filled with bitterness, Fiona challenged him. “Mr. Tucker, do you really think expelling me over something so minor is justified?”

Cody replied steadily, “Yes, it is. Your actions have caused trouble that’s not easily resolved.”

Fiona sneered, her voice dripping with contempt. “Ridiculous! You’re biased toward Elyse. Not just you, but Gavin and Irving as well. You all favor her. The problem lies with you.”

Cody exhaled deeply, his tone level yet firm. “If the roles were reversed, if it were Elyse who had seduced the husband of my other apprentice, I would have expelled her as well. I’ve always treated everyone the same.”

Fiona’s voice cracked as she screamed in despair, “That’s a lie! In your heart, Elyse is the one who matters. What am I, then, to you?”

Cody furrowed his brow, struggling to soothe Fiona. Realizing the futility of the argument, Fiona’s shoulders slumped. “Enough. I am no longer your apprentice. Whether you’re biased or not doesn’t matter anymore. I’m leaving.”

Without another glance at Cody, she turned and walked away.

She ran into Irving, who was strolling toward the studio. Noticing Fiona’s furious expression, Irving asked, bewildered, “Why the long face? What’s wrong?”

Fiona disliked Irving intensely. Brushing past him, she shoved him hard. Caught off guard, Irving nearly fell. He staggered back, regaining his balance.

Watching Fiona storm off, Irving shook his head, puzzled. Given their mutual dislike, he didn’t bother talking to her.

Inside the studio, Irving found Cody, who looked dramatically older, collapsing wearily onto the sofa. Irving barely heard Cody’s deep sigh.

Irving scratched his nose. “Mr. Tucker, what’s going on? I saw Fiona storm out.”

Silence hung in the air before Cody responded, “Fiona is no longer your junior, nor my apprentice. Make sure Elyse and Gavin get the message.”

Irving was stunned. “Has Fiona been expelled? What happened?”

Cody sighed wearily. “It’s a serious matter.” He avoided further explanation, suggesting Irving ask Gavin, then left the studio.

Alone, Irving felt overwhelmed. He stood silently for several minutes, then called Gavin.

When Gavin learned of Fiona’s expulsion, he sighed. “You should talk to Elyse. I’m busy.”

“Alright,” Irving replied, then tried to reach Elyse. Her phone went unanswered, so he sent a text.

Meanwhile, Elyse lay in bed, unable to sleep. Her phone rang, but she didn’t answer. She decided to wait for Jayden’s return, but he didn’t come home that night.