Chapter 706:

Thea, disbelieving the ferule was meant for her, asked, “Grandma, what are you planning to do with that?”

Felicia gestured toward Thea. “Those who misbehave are punished. You need a good beating, or you’ll forget who rules this house.”

Thea was stunned. Her grandmother was ordering her punishment. But why?

Before Thea could question this, the maid forced her down and struck her buttocks.

Thea cried out, “Ouch! Grandma, what have I done? Please explain.”

Felicia snorted dismissively. “Still playing innocent?” She instructed the maid, “Continue until she admits her faults.”

It dawned on Thea that Felicia knew something, explaining the harsh punishment. Denial was futile, so Thea confessed, “Grandma, I admit it. I framed Elyse. I’m sorry.”

Hearing the confession, Felicia’s heart grew heavy. She had wronged Elyse.

Trying to control her emotions, Felicia instructed, “Take Thea to the dark room. She needs time to reflect.”

Two days later, Elyse, Cody, and Gavin arrived in Manfek. They met Irving at the airport before heading to their hotel.

Driven by his friend’s musical enthusiasm, Cody went to a different location.

Elyse, Irving, and Gavin showered and rested to combat jet lag. After a full day’s sleep, Elyse woke up hungry. She changed and went to find Irving and Gavin.

Irving answered a knock. “What’s up? Couldn’t sleep?”

“Let’s eat!” Elyse rubbed her belly. “I’m starving. How about we grab something?”

Irving, also hungry, patted his stomach. “Hang on, I need to change,” he said, entering his room.

Elyse went in, sat down, and noticed Gavin was absent.

When Irving returned, Elyse asked, “Where’s Gavin? Still asleep?”

“He went out for a meeting about the competition,” Irving replied, checking his phone. “You have half a month before your event. Don’t forget your violin. We’ll practice after we eat.”

Elyse’s smile faded. At Irving’s insistence, she grabbed her violin case, and they set out. Irving, familiar with the area, led them to a good local restaurant.

Strolling, they found a restaurant with fading roses at the entrance. Elyse looked at the cracked soil.

Irving opened the door, and a wave of wine scent hit them. Elyse sniffed, feeling slightly tipsy.

Irving grabbed a menu, flipped through it, and asked, “What do you want?”

Elyse scanned the menu and chose, “Escargot, duck confit, French onion soup, beef bourguignon… That’s it.”

Irving worried, “I hope the wine doesn’t affect your playing.”

Elyse said defiantly, “A little wine won’t make me drunk.”

Irving smiled slyly. “Then let’s order you a drink.”

Elyse huffed. “Fine.”