Chapter 856:
Kaelyn found Fiona’s remarks absurd and laughed in frustration. Straightening up, she lost interest in her nails and responded coldly, “I’ll ask you one last time. Are you going to back out?”
Fiona, blinded by desire, had forsaken rationality when agreeing to collaborate with Kaelyn. Now, she grasped the precariousness of her position, unsure of the consequences of crossing Kaelyn.
Kaelyn’s demeanor turned icy. Her expression grew stern, and her voice deepened as she asked, each word deliberate, “Are you prepared to own up to your words today?”
Already aggravated by Kaelyn’s tone, Fiona’s irritation mounted. Angrily, she retorted, “What are you getting at? Either get rid of Elyse and ensure I win, or you’re useless to me. How dare you demand anything from me? You’re utterly shameless.”
Fiona hung up abruptly, scratching her head. She yelled in the lounge, “Why on earth has Elyse returned? Is someone helping her secretly?”
This question troubled Kaelyn. How had Elyse returned? Was someone helping her? Why? And how?
Kaelyn bit her nails, visibly annoyed. Who was assisting Elyse? She pondered but couldn’t solve the mystery, so she called to investigate. The person on the line advised her to stay out of it.
Frustrated, Kaelyn ended the call, but a thought struck her. If that person advised against inquiry, the one helping Elyse was no ordinary individual.
A flicker of realization sparked in Kaelyn’s eyes, then darkened. She clenched her teeth and muttered angrily, “Elyse, you’re incredibly fortunate. Someone’s always there to help you. But I refuse to believe your luck will hold forever.”
Far backstage, Elyse sneezed, surprising Edward, who exclaimed, “My prayers worked!”
Elyse rubbed her nose, puzzled. “Prayers?”
Edward smiled mischievously. “I prayed the most formidable contestant would suffer an accident and withdraw.”
Elyse playfully punched Edward, causing him to flinch. She scolded, “You crafty scoundrel! It was just a tickle.”
Edward responded playfully, “I was only joking. Don’t take it too seriously!”
Elyse gave him a stern look, then followed the host’s instructions and stepped onto the stage. She immediately noticed Jayden in the audience. They had last parted on unpleasant terms, and his presence stirred unexpected feelings.