Chapter 765:

With a steady hand, he pointed at Fiona and declared, “I’ll take her under my wing.”

Gavin, fully aware of Irving’s aversion to Fiona, felt uneasy. “You’re going to guide Fiona? You’re not planning anything funny, are you?”

Irving smirked scornfully. “What could I possibly do to her? I’m just offering assistance. Didn’t she accuse me of favoring Elyse? Well, I’ll give her the same treatment.”

Gavin considered this. He wasn’t eager to guide Fiona himself. If Irving was willing, why not let him? He nodded. “Alright, she’s all yours. I’ll go check on Elyse.”

“Perfect. You go ahead.”

After Gavin left, Irving crunched his lollipop and turned to Fiona with a sly grin. “You think we’re biased? Fine, I’ll guide you just like I guide Elyse. But if you can’t keep up, that’s your problem.”

Fiona scoffed defiantly. “Who says I can’t keep up?”

Three days later, in the semifinals, backstage.

Elyse, in a sleek black gown and high heels, watched the competition from behind the stage. From the semifinals onward, contestants waited onstage for the judges to announce the performance pieces.

Since the pieces were unknown, each contestant could only passively prepare.

“Do I make you nervous?” Geraldine, vibrant in a stunning red dress, approached.

Elyse glanced at her and replied softly, “Not really. I have a friend among the contestants, and I’m curious if he can make it to the finals.”

Geraldine scanned the stage. “Is it the man in the middle?”

“That’s right,” Elyse confirmed, her gaze heavy. She had just learned that Darren’s opponent was Fiona.

Although Darren was more skilled, Fiona had been practicing intensively with Irving.

Elyse wasn’t sure if Darren could secure the top spot.

With arrogance, Geraldine crossed her arms. “You don’t need to worry too much. Contestants who lose in the semifinals have a chance in the Comeback Competition. The last person standing advances to the finals.”

Elyse nodded, relieved. “That’s good. I was worried Darren might be out of options.”

Geraldine half-smiled. “I’m referring to you. Do you think you’ve already won against me?”

Elyse smirked and chuckled softly. She patted Geraldine’s shoulder. “I never bothered with the competition’s mechanics. I didn’t think I’d need to.”

Geraldine’s pride flared at Elyse’s confidence. She clenched her teeth, resisting the urge to compete with Elyse.

Elyse left backstage for her lounge, seeking solitude.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and she saw Jayden. She straightened, her voice tinged with nervousness. “What are you doing here?” . . .