Chapter 850:

Since the order of performance was determined by final rankings, Fiona was scheduled second to last. She only needed to bide her time, believing Darren couldn't stop her even if he noticed her plan.

The thought of its success filled her with excitement. Standing by the backstage door, she watched Edward and the other violinists perform. Her turn was approaching.

At the perfect moment, Fiona moved backstage. Darren quickly blocked her path, his tone angry. “Have you gone mad? What are you doing here? Leave now!”

Fiona gave him a frosty stare. “If Elyse isn’t here, someone needs to step in. Luck favors the ready, and that’s me.”

She attempted to break free, but Darren was determined to keep her in place. His tone cold, he countered, “You think you can just replace Elyse? She’s already here. How do you plan to take her spot?”

Annoyed, Fiona retorted, “Then where is she? Show me!”

Darren looked at her with a cold, inscrutable face before smiling. “If you don’t believe me, check for yourself.”

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“What do you mean?” A sense of dread washed over Fiona; then, an idea hit her. She dashed toward the stage and lifted the curtain slightly.

The orchestra was peacefully setting up to perform Paganini’s Caprice No. 24. The audience appeared relaxed, oblivious to Elyse’s arrival. In a rush, Fiona exclaimed, “They’re unsure when to begin since Elyse isn’t here. They need me! I’m the one who can guide them!”

Right after, a violin melody filled the air—not from the stage, but from the audience.

The audience turned in surprise to see Elyse, in a striking red gown, effortlessly playing as she advanced toward the stage.

“Wait… what’s happening?” noveldrama “Is this part of the show?” “This is incredibly inventive! I adore it!” “She’s fantastic! I’m thrilled!”

With her gaze fixed, Elyse kept playing, her steps sure as she moved closer. She didn’t notice the middle-aged man seated nearby, observing her closely. It was Cody, watching her performance.

“Is she your apprentice? Such a skilled young lady! You’ve really found a gem,” the man beside Cody whispered, admiringly.

Cody’s face lit up with pride. “She’s gotten to this point through her own effort. I hardly did anything.”

“Come on, don’t be modest,” the man whispered, then fell silent.

Elyse approached the stage, where the orchestra members, struck by her dramatic entrance, nodded their appreciation. The conductor also observed her respectfully.

. . .