Chapter 66:
Jayden’s face twisted into a sneer. “He would say that, wouldn’t he? How else could he sway you, you gullible girl?”
Elyse shot back, visibly upset, “I am not gullible.”
“Then why not?” Jayden retorted, giving her a skeptical look. “Are the Fosters really that influential? Does my family actually need to depend on them? The Foster family is in decline. They need my family more than mine needs them.” He gently pinched her cheek. “I won’t divorce you. You’re decent enough, and I think you’re great.” Elyse’s face flushed under his scrutiny.
Jayden saw her blush and mused on her simplicity, how easily a few words could make her blush. “Go on, entertain yourself. I need to return to my studies.” Earlier, he had left his study to console her after finding her distressed in the garden. Now he had to go back.
On his way, thoughts of Theo tightened his jaw. He had previously dismissed Theo, but now realized Theo harbored ill intentions and had even attempted to sow discord between him and Elyse. It seemed necessary to keep a close eye on him.
Elyse received news of her reinstatement into the orchestra. The next morning, she left home to compete for the tour. Upon arrival, she sensed a palpable tension. This atmosphere affected her as well. After changing into her training attire, she took out her violin and began practicing.
Rebekah approached, violin in hand, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “You’re so lucky, Elyse. You were nearly ousted, yet here you are, able to compete. Your luck astounds me. But having been at home for so long, can you really pass the selection?”
Elyse countered, “Can’t I practice at home?”
Rebekah scoffed. “You think practicing at home compares to our daily sessions here? Imagine the embarrassment if you fail.”
Elyse fired back, “And what if you fail, Rebekah? After all your daily practice, that would be truly embarrassing, wouldn’t it?”
Rebekah, puffing up with pride, declared, “I’m at my peak today. I’m certain I’ll pass. But you…” Her expression spoke volumes. Elyse, wanting to end the conversation, responded confidently, “I’m also in good shape. Don’t worry, I’ll pass.”
Seeing Elyse’s confidence, Rebekah felt a surge of resentment. She was acutely aware of Elyse’s talent, viewing her as a threat from the moment she joined the orchestra. Elyse’s presence could potentially hinder her future success. Turning her head, Rebekah noticed a tumbler in Elyse’s bag; a crafty gleam flickered in her eyes as an idea formed.
Elyse sat waiting for the selection process, positioned among her friends in the middle of the group, her anxiety palpable. To keep her fingers nimble, she continuously moved them. After an hour, it was finally their turn, and the tension among the candidates spiked.
A girl offered Elyse a glass of water, asking, “Would you like some water, Elyse?” Remembering last year’s incident where a peer had missed their selection due to tampered water, Elyse, now vigilant, only consumed what she brought herself. “No thanks, I have my own,” she declined, standing to retrieve her tumbler from her bag. She took a small sip to soothe her throat. From a distance, Rebekah watched with smug satisfaction.
Just as Elyse set down her tumbler, they were called to a hall. She joined the group, but halfway there, a sharp pain struck her stomach. Clutching her abdomen, her expression grew grave. Could someone have drugged her water? Her performance was imminent. She bit her lip, reassuring herself that she hadn’t drunk much—just a small sip. It shouldn’t be too severe. She could push through it.
Noticing Elyse showed no signs of heading to the bathroom, Rebekah murmured to herself. Could the substance she’d slipped into Elyse’s tumbler have expired? She was puzzled but knew she couldn’t question Elyse without revealing her actions. Frustration welled up inside her. “Damn it! Why wasn’t Elyse affected? Had the drug not worked?”
Her anxiety over her plan’s failure caused her to lose focus on her own selection process.
. . .