Chapter 786:

Edward pursed his lips, a hint of grievance in his voice. “I’m just trying to help, and you’re shooting down my idea. What’s your brilliant strategy for getting your ex-husband off your back?”

Elyse was speechless, unable to retort even after a long silence.

Noticing her struggle, Edward chuckled gently. “See, you’re out of plans too. Why not consider mine? It might make him back off.”

Elyse recalled her conversation with Jayden that morning, his serious tone echoing in her memory. He was earnest. If she were involved with any man, he would take drastic actions.

After a moment, she firmly rejected the idea, concerned for Edward. “No, I can’t agree. This is between Jayden and me. I don’t want to involve anyone else.”

Edward placed his water glass on the table and leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “But what if I want to be a part of your world?”

Elyse stared, bewildered. “What do you mean?”

His eyes twinkling mischievously, Edward confessed, “I think I’m falling for you.”

Elyse recoiled, dodging his gaze. “Are… are you serious?”

Edward straightened, his smile unwavering, his eyes resolute. “I don’t joke about matters of the heart. Love is the purest joy. I have a soft spot for you. I mean it.”

Caught off guard, Elyse grabbed her violin case and coat and hurried from the restaurant.

Edward watched her go, with amusement and a trace of sorrow. “In love, the coward misses out. I choose to be brave.”

For the next few days, Elyse stayed in the hotel, seeking refuge in the garden where she practiced her violin. Irving extended several invitations to meals, but she declined, persisting in her solitude until the Comeback Competition. That day, she mustered her courage and prepared to attend.

As they sat in the audience, Irving, seated next to Elyse, noticed her face obscured by a scarf. “You’ve been quite elusive these past few days. Are you avoiding someone?”

“It’s my preference to dress this way; don’t worry. Let’s enjoy the performances,” Elyse responded resolutely.

Irving didn’t pursue the matter and focused on the stage.

The competition was structured into three groups; the final rounds were crucial.

Among the competitors, Elyse recognized Geraldine and Fiona. She leaned toward Irving. “Irving, what are Fiona’s chances?”

Irving answered calmly, “It’s hard to say. She sought me out for intensive practice recently. Though she’s improved, a few days isn’t enough to bridge the gap with contestants who have been preparing much longer. She won’t take first place. And in a contest like this, anything less than first is inconsequential.”

Elyse nodded, agreeing. . . .