Chapter 721:

“After all the performances, the judges will randomly select participants to perform new pieces, testing their true abilities,” Edward revealed, a glint in his eye.

Elyse’s eyes narrowed. “What will these randomly chosen contestants receive in return?”

“Nothing,” Edward replied calmly. “They’re simply given another chance to prove their skills.”

Elyse pursed her lips. “Then what’s the point? I hope I’m not chosen; I wouldn’t get any extra points.”

Edward paused, his brow furrowing. “Maybe it’s not just about the points,” he began, excitement sparking in his eyes. “If you excel in that extra round, it could significantly boost the judges’ impression of you. It’s your chance to shine, to make every judge remember you and acknowledge your strength.”

Elyse pondered this, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Well, I guess that makes sense,” she replied, a hint of optimism in her voice. “Being chosen could actually be a great opportunity.”

Edward stroked his chin. He wasn’t entirely sure if this information was accurate; it was just a rumor. But seeing Elyse’s fierce determination, he hoped it was true. He dreaded her wrath if it wasn’t.

Since they had some time, Elyse retired to the lounge. She was asleep when a loud scream startled her awake. Stepping outside, she saw Fiona holding a broken violin, rage filling her voice. “Who the hell did this? Show yourself, you coward!”

Other participants gathered. Fiona’s eyes landed on Elyse. She stormed toward her, glaring menacingly. “You destroyed my violin, didn’t you?!”

Elyse shook her head. “I swear, it wasn’t me. I haven’t even been in your lounge.”

“Who else could it be? You hate me the most. Who but you would invade my space and break my violin?”

Fiona’s fury burned. She blamed Elyse for her separation from Jayden and her falling out with Cody. She believed Elyse had wrecked her love life and career.

Elyse sneered. “I’m not like you, I’m not a backstabber. You’re accusing me without proof. Can you stoop any lower?”

“How can you prove it wasn’t you?” Fiona shot back.

Elyse met her glare firmly. “The one who accuses has to provide evidence.”

Their argument reached a deadlock when another contestant emerged with a broken violin. “Who the heck broke my violin? I’ll find them!”

Elyse raised an eyebrow. “Is my name on that one too?”

Fiona’s face paled, her mouth opening and closing silently. Soon, it was discovered that up to eight contestants’ violins had been damaged.

No one expected such malicious sabotage. Anger spread through the crowd; everyone was determined to catch the culprit. However, the competition needed to continue, so contestants began borrowing violins.

A sobering thought struck Fiona: she had no backup violin. To compete, she needed help. Inevitably, her eyes fell on Elyse. . . .