Chapter 926:

The room fell silent. Watching Elyse send Jayden away, Edward approached her cheerfully. Elyse, however, was displeased. Giving him a stern look, she bypassed him and spoke with Geraldine.

Edward was taken aback, holding his breath until Elyse left. He then exhaled deeply.

Darren said, “You don’t like seeing Jayden near Elyse, do you?”

Edward responded nonchalantly, “Why would you say that?”

“Because you’re jealous of Jayden,” Darren concluded. He hadn’t noticed it before, but it became clear to him, especially since Edward often sought out Elyse before the contest.

Darren sighed. “You’ll never outshine Jayden.”

“I disagree,” Edward replied earnestly. “I am not inferior to him.”

Darren was speechless, unsure how to persuade him. A man’s qualities weren’t the deciding factor; it came down to whom Elyse loved. Clearly, only Jayden significantly affected Elyse; her happiness and anger were tied to him. Yet, no one else seemed to notice. Darren chose to stay out of it.

Edward, unaware of Darren’s thoughts, hoped for a chance to talk with Elyse and begin dating her. He found it hard to accept Elyse's interest in Jayden.

As everyone prepared for rehearsal, they were preoccupied. They soon became engrossed and forgot everything else.

Mabel, secretly watching Elyse, grew restless upon learning of Elyse’s career advancement. Returning home, she found Kaelyn leisurely sipping a drink. Overcome with frustration, she exclaimed, “Kaelyn, Elyse is planning a tour. She’s increasingly popular. You must help me. We can’t let her live so comfortably.”

Kaelyn finished her champagne in one gulp. “If Elyse wants to rise further, let her. What does it matter?”

“No way, I can’t stand it. She doesn’t deserve this. She was a servant in my family, yet she ruined my parents. And now, she’s living well.” Mabel cried, missing her parents terribly.

Kaelyn felt a surge of irritation, but quickly suppressed it. . . .