Chapter 784:

Irritated by Elyse’s continual denials, Fiona’s temper flared. “All I did was ask a simple question, and you’re getting this upset with me?”

Elyse, puzzled by Fiona’s insistence, tried to remain composed. “Look, first, you and I aren’t exactly friends, and second, I couldn’t care less about whatever that competitor is up to. So, no matter how much you press, I simply don’t have the answers.”

With a serious look, Elyse continued, “The Comeback Competition is just three days away, and it looks like you’re not focusing on that. You didn’t even make it to the finals. Why worry about others’ misdeeds?”

Fiona slammed her hand on the table, frustration boiling over. “I was just trying to have a normal conversation with you, and this is how you react? I totally misread you.”

Without hesitation, Elyse snapped back, “No, it seems I’m the one who misread you. Gavin did too, and so did Mr. Tucker.”

“You!” Fiona seethed, her anger ignited by Elyse’s words. Inhaling deeply, she attempted to calm herself before declaring, “I will reach the finals. Just you wait.”

Elyse responded with grave sincerity, “I doubt you can surpass Geraldine. Her professionalism, skill, and attitude far surpass yours. You’re simply no match for her.”

This time, Fiona didn’t retaliate. Instead, she flashed an enigmatic smile. “Does it really matter if she’s superior? The main thing is reaching the finals, isn’t it?”

Elyse found Fiona’s response peculiar, but couldn’t figure out why. She eyed Fiona with suspicion.

Nevertheless, Fiona wasn’t interested in prolonging their discussion. She quickly finished her burger, gathered her tray, and left. With Fiona gone, Elyse felt relieved. She leisurely finished her meal and noted that night had fallen.

Leaving the restaurant, Elyse decided to practice her violin. Strolling past a small square, she heard a beautiful melody—a violin.

Violin case in hand, Elyse approached the music, finding someone engrossed in playing beside a flowerbed. Under the streetlight, she saw Edward.

His violin case lay at his feet, serving as a collection box for appreciative onlookers tossing in coins. Edward seemed indifferent to passersby, yet a cunning smile briefly appeared each time a coin clinked against the case.

Elyse saw that fleeting grin. She recalled Gavin mentioning Edward could afford a new car from a single commercial gig, yet here he was, enjoying modest earnings from street performance.

After a moment, Elyse pulled out her violin, positioned herself, and waited for the perfect cue to harmonize.

Edward, hearing her preparations, turned, surprised. Seeing Elyse, his surprise turned to joy.

He stopped playing. “Can you play ‘City of Stars’? Let’s go with that—it’s perfect for this beautiful evening.”

Elyse suppressed a laugh. She adjusted her stance and delicately played a note. Edward faced her, joining the melody perfectly.

The snow had stopped, prompting more pedestrians to venture out. Attracted by the music, a few slowly gathered.

During a brief pause in Edward’s performance, he glanced at Elyse.

Clad in a gray woolen hat and a thick down jacket, her fingers were red from the cold. Her gaze was fixed on her violin, and lost in concentration, she parted her lips slightly, releasing warm breath into the cold air.