Chapter 771:

“This year’s competition has been anything but peaceful,” Vicky remarked softly, approaching Elyse.

Elyse nodded. The girl’s chance to compete was gone; even if the organizers offered another chance, it would only be in the Comeback Competition—a mere consolation.

“The person who locked the door from the outside this time is probably the same one who sabotaged the contestants’ violins last time,” Vicky speculated seriously. “If the culprit is one of us, their fate will be grim.”

Elyse sighed. “If it was a contestant, why would they do something so self-destructive? It’s not worth it.”

The competition halted temporarily while the staff searched every room, ensuring no other contestants were trapped. Their fears were confirmed: besides the first girl, four other contestants had been locked in their lounges.

“Who could have done something so vile? Are they really that terrified of being outshined?” one contestant exclaimed.

“This person must have a twisted heart,” another added. “I bet it’s someone struggling, someone who can’t stand to see others succeed, so they resorted to sabotage.”

“Breaking news,” someone whispered urgently, “Edward was locked in too, but since his match was last, he didn’t even realize it.”

Elyse’s eyes widened. “Edward was locked in too?” she asked, turning to the group.

No wonder Edward had been absent from earlier rounds. He had been locked in like the others.

When Elyse found Edward, he was mid-yawn, looking more bored than concerned. A staff member questioned him, and Edward, still half-asleep, answered nonchalantly.

Once the questioning ended, Elyse approached him, concern lacing her voice. “How did you end up locked in?”

Edward shrugged, his fatigue evident. “I was in the last group, so I got bored and fell asleep on the couch.”

Elyse sighed in relief. “I’m glad you’re okay. Someone already missed their match. I was worried you might miss yours too.”

Edward waved away her concerns. “No worries. Even if I missed the match, I’d breeze through the Comeback Competition and end up back in first place.”

Elyse raised an eyebrow. “In the Comeback Competition, you’d face Geraldine.”

“I know her. She’s no threat,” Edward replied, unbothered.

Seeing his calm demeanor, Elyse felt reassured. He hadn’t been shaken.

The competition, delayed by the sabotage, concluded an hour later than expected.

Elyse, having secured her spot in the next round, left the concert hall with her violin. Darkness had settled over the city by the time she stepped outside.

She waited by the roadside for Irving when a sleek, unfamiliar luxury car pulled up.

“Are you Miss Elyse Lloyd?” The window rolled down, revealing a middle-aged man with a facial scar. Despite his gentle tone, there was an unmistakable weight in his words, the mark of someone who had seen many battles.

“Allow me to introduce myself,” the man said, smiling disarmingly. “My name is Charlie Hudson. I’m Aarya’s father. I believe you’re familiar with her.”

Charlie extended his hand, his smile warm and inviting, but a chilling undertone in his gaze sent a shiver down Elyse’s spine. . . .