Chapter 787:

An hour into their observation, they were only halfway through the competition. Fighting off a yawn, Elyse remarked, “Of all the contestants making a comeback, Geraldine is clearly the strongest. Competing here is effortless for her. She’s consistently outscoring everyone.”

Irving commented, “Let’s see how far Fiona can go. I’m curious to see how she measures up against these rather ordinary contestants.”

Elyse paused, then added, “It’s hard to say, but given she was once Mr. Tucker’s student, her ranking shouldn’t be too dismal.”

Irving pursed his lips. “Who knows?”

As the competition progressed, Fiona emerged as the winner of her group, earning a place in the showdown to face Geraldine. Onstage, Geraldine accepted challenges from two other contestants.

As the matchups continued, Elyse yawned again. “Irving, do you reckon Fiona will take third place or second?”

Irving replied disinterestedly, “Third. She doesn’t have the edge needed for second.”

“Then I’ll bet on second, just to differ,” Elyse countered, her expression weary.

Thirty minutes later, the match concluded. Geraldine claimed first place, and to Irving’s surprise, Fiona secured second. However, Fiona didn’t advance to the final round.

Elyse rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “Fiona has potential. She just doesn’t apply herself enough to match those with real talent.”

Irving shrugged. “No surprises there. That’s exactly her limit. She’s not cut out to be the best.”

Leaving the competition venue, Elyse had just reached her hotel when she received unsettling news. Gavin called to relay the troubling news: a finalist had been struck by a car while dining out. Currently in the hospital and undergoing resuscitation, the contestant’s chances of participating in the finals were dwindling. If he didn’t recover in time, his spot would be filled by the runner-up from the Comeback Competition.

Shocked by the update, Elyse gasped. “How could something like this happen at such a crucial time?”

Remaining composed, Gavin advised, “From this point on, I’d stay away from Fiona if I were you. It’s best not to get too close.”

“Gavin, are you suggesting…” Elyse replied, her voice tinged with disbelief.

“The timing and circumstances are highly suspect. Fiona is under scrutiny, and for your safety, it’s wise to steer clear of her,” Gavin explained, then promptly ended the call.

Reeling from the conversation, Elyse collapsed onto her bed, her mind racing with the implausibility of it all. Just then, a knock at the door startled her. She opened it without a second thought, only to find Edward on her threshold, grinning widely and holding a bouquet of teddy bears.

It was precisely what she had dreaded.

. . . noveldrama