Chapter 735:

“But neither the Violin Association nor the competition organizers have identified the culprit,” she replied, her voice tinged with worry. “It’s possible the person is hiding among the contestants, which is unsettling.”

“We will deal with that later. You need to focus on calming your nerves and finding inspiration.” Irving gently took Elyse’s wrist and guided her out of the hotel. She followed, her violin case gripped tightly in her other hand.

Irving guided Elyse into a small, lively bar. Elyse chose a quiet corner booth and sat comfortably as Irving brought a menu. “What would you like to eat?” he asked, his tone relaxed.

After placing her order, Elyse rested her face in her hands and stared listlessly around the room.

Noticing Elyse’s downcast demeanor, Irving assumed she was worrying about the competition. “Don’t stress too much,” he said gently. “Even if you don’t win, I won’t think any less of you.”

Elyse glanced at him, a hint of annoyance in her eyes. “Your attempts at comfort are awful. Consider yourself banned from consoling me ever again.”

Irving laughed. “Did I suddenly become a nuisance?”

Elyse returned his smile and settled back, waiting for their food.

The small bar buzzed with a friendly atmosphere; patrons enjoyed their meals and drinks. Laughter and chatter filled the air, but Elyse felt detached. Was it her thoughts of Jayden, or her inability to enjoy alcohol?

Her mind swirled with unease.

After a brief wait, the waiter arrived with their food and drinks. Irving had ordered a large beer, which he sipped while chatting with patrons at the next table.

Meanwhile, Elyse savored her meal, but her eyes constantly scanned the room for inspiration. After a while, she gave up. Finishing her food quickly, she sought a more inspiring place.

Violin case in hand, Elyse stood and caught Irving’s attention. He asked, “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to that restaurant with a piano. Maybe I’ll find inspiration there,” Elyse replied.

Remembering the place, Irving cautioned her, “Just don’t wander too far. I’ll pick you up later.”

Elyse glanced at Irving’s large glass and quipped, “You might want to rethink who’s picking up whom.”

“One glass won’t affect me,” Irving said dismissively. “Go find your inspiration.”

Violin case in hand, Elyse ventured into the snowy streets. A few minutes later, she arrived at the restaurant.

As she stepped inside, her eyes were drawn to the grand piano. She approached it, running her fingers over its polished surface. Her gaze swept across the room, searching for the acquaintance she had met the previous evening.

David was nowhere in sight, but Elyse felt no disappointment. Instead, she ordered cocoa and chose a cozy window seat, watching the peaceful winter scene.

Immersed in her thoughts, Elyse was unaware of Aarya approaching her table.

Aarya’s fingers drummed rhythmically on the tabletop, breaking Elyse’s reverie.

When Elyse turned, she saw Aarya, who was strikingly dressed. The faint red marks on Aarya’s neck caught her attention. . . .