Chapter 808:

With a weary sigh, Elyse saw through his act. “Edward, if you’re so afraid of rejection, why bother asking? You know I’m focusing on my career right now,” she said firmly.

“But your refusal upsets me,” Edward responded with a pout, attempting to lean closer.

Elyse stepped back, her expression tightening. “You’re trying to take advantage of me!” she exclaimed.

Edward’s pretended sorrow deepened. “I haven’t even begun,” he murmured.

Elyse, annoyed, gently pushed him away with a finger to his forehead. “Aren’t you nervous about the rankings? It’s driving me crazy!” she exclaimed, her voice laced with exasperation.

Edward folded his arms and sighed deeply. He couldn’t fathom why Elyse was so worked up. He was confident in her ability to reach the Grand Final.

As Fiona’s performance ended, all the contestants went onstage. Their hearts pounded with anticipation as they awaited the judges’ verdict.

Despite her calm demeanor, Elyse couldn’t hide the sweat on her palms.

Beside her, Fiona was the first to notice her nervousness. With a light chuckle, she teased, “Even you get nervous? Afraid you won’t make it to the next round?”

Elyse’s eyes widened. “Isn’t it natural to feel anxious? Or are you saying you’re not, because you’re so sure you’ll make it?” she asked.

A flicker of doubt crossed Fiona’s face before she regained her composure. “Of course I’m nervous. I’m no prodigy,” she admitted.

Realizing Elyse was still watching her closely, Fiona laughed awkwardly and turned away, avoiding further interaction.

Elyse, puzzled by Fiona’s reaction, couldn’t shake off the suspicions Gavin and others had raised earlier.

Ten minutes later, the rankings were revealed. Fiona placed tenth, and it didn’t raise any eyebrows. The other contestants exchanged knowing glances; their silent understanding said more than words ever could.

Fiona kept a smile on her face, though beneath it, she was silently grinding her teeth in frustration. Tenth place, yet again! She had also clinched tenth place in the national competition. Was she fated to rank at the bottom?

Fiona’s gaze drifted to Elyse, and seeing Elyse’s indifferent expression made her insides churn. She blurted out, “You must be laughing at me deep down, right? I’m dead last again, just perfect for making you look even better.”

Elyse looked at Fiona with a puzzled expression. “Your rank doesn’t concern me. Honestly, I’m more focused on my own standings.”

Fiona let out a disdainful snort, her eyes full of contempt. “You’re the type who always plays the perfect, pitiful woman to milk sympathy from everyone. You’re selfish, you know that?”

Elyse felt a spark of anger flare up at Fiona’s words. “Fiona, when will you start using your brain? I didn’t even say a word, and you’re already convinced I’m mocking you. Are you paranoid or something?”

With that, Elyse shot Fiona a look of disgust and moved to switch places with Geraldine.