Chapter 867:

Ignoring the displeased looks of the young men, Irving led Elyse away. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, Elyse asked nervously, “Irving, who were they? Isn’t it rude to dismiss them like that?”

Irving snorted. “I’ve seen those types around. They frequent these events and target young ladies. Do you really think their compliments were sincere? They were just making advances.”

As they continued walking, Irving stopped suddenly and said seriously to Elyse, “Men can be trouble. Don’t let a few kind words cloud your judgment. They often don’t mean them.”

Elyse agreed but teased, “But Irving, you’re a man too. Aren’t you also criticizing yourself?”

Irving pointed to himself and replied with a grin, “Yes, I am, but I keep my urges in check. That’s what makes me special.”

Elyse chuckled at his comment, and they kept walking. Irving took Elyse to a secluded booth and greeted Cody. Cody turned around, stood up, and warmly said to Elyse, “Congratulations on your first-place win. You’ve worked hard these past months, and it shows.”

With Cody’s direct praise, Elyse blushed slightly. “Thank you, Mr. Tucker. The extra practice really helped. I couldn’t have succeeded without everyone’s support.”

“Oh, you’re quite the charmer, unlike my stubborn apprentice who only knows how to upset me,” the middle-aged man next to Cody chuckled as he stood and offered his hand with a smile. “I’m Simon, a friend of your mentor. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Elyse shook his hand and replied shyly, “Nice to meet you. I’m Elyse, Mr. Tucker’s student.”

Simon smiled and teased, “I know. He’s talked about you before.” Elyse quickly looked at Cody. Did he often speak of her?

Simon, slightly envious, continued, “He’s been boasting about having a prodigiously talented student. He predicted you’d beat my student in the next contest and take first place.” Simon glared at Cody and said, “And he was right. I should have stopped him from bragging.”

Cody laughed heartily, clearly pleased. “I’ve always said my student could outperform your unruly one. And now, she’s won first place, while your student came second. It’s a nice reality check for him.”

Simon, feeling indignant, gritted his teeth, unwilling to accept that his apprentice was lesser than Elyse.

After listening for a while, Elyse asked, puzzled, “Who is your student? Should I know him?”

Cody seemed surprised and asked, “You don’t know who his student is? Haven’t you two been practicing together?”

Elyse’s confusion deepened, and she turned to Simon for an explanation. Simon cleared his throat and said in a gentle tone, “Edward. How did you not know that?”

“Edward?” Elyse was taken aback. “No one ever informed me he was your apprentice.”

Irving lightly tapped Elyse on the head and said helplessly, “Who told you that you weren’t informed? Didn’t Gavin ever mention it?” . . .