Chapter 860:

Geraldine disliked Edward. When she reached the Grand Final after winning the Comeback Competition, he scoffed, saying she couldn't win. This angered her. Seeing Elyse win first place was somewhat comforting, as Geraldine respected Elyse.

The awards ceremony began. Three contestants tied for third, initially sharing one trophy until two more were promised. Elyse's joy was immense upon receiving the first-place trophy. She saw her name engraved, then spotted Cody, waving and calling, “Mr. Tucker, I got first place! I didn’t let you down!”

Cody smiled and waved back. A middle-aged man beside him, slightly envious, said, “Congratulations! Your student beat mine. Quite the achievement!”

Cody replied, “Not surprising. Elyse’s emotional delivery was superior. That 0.1-point difference was due to emotional depth!”

The man, proud yet challenged, huffed, “We’ve learned a lot. I’ll keep pushing my student. Next time, he’ll win.”

Cody retorted, “We’ll see. My student will always outperform yours. The top spot will always go to my student.”

Irving, overhearing, smirked at their rivalry.

After exiting the stage, Elyse kissed her trophy and returned to her dressing room. Fiona sat there, sullen. Seeing the trophy, Fiona asked with jealousy, “What place did you finish? Third? Second?” She couldn't believe Elyse had won.

Elyse frowned. “I won first place. What does that have to do with you? Now, please leave.”

“You got first place?” Fiona exclaimed, shocked and envious. She remembered Elyse's initial shortcomings, questioning how she'd won.

Seething, Fiona stood, reaching out. “Let me see it. I can’t believe you won!”

Elyse, initially considering it, changed her mind. This was her achievement. She withdrew her hand. “Whether you believe it or not is up to you. I don’t have to prove anything to you. This is my lounge, not yours. Leave.” . . .