Chapter 932:

As for Elyse, she was thoroughly confused by Fiona’s behavior. “What are you talking about, Fiona? Stop being so stubborn. Open your eyes and wake up!”

“You shut up!” Fiona screeched, her voice rising. “How dare you lecture me? Are you trying to pretend to be kind again? Ha! I know you too well. You’re nothing but a self-centered brat.”

Elyse’s gaze grew colder. Her feelings toward Fiona were complicated. She had once admired Fiona, who had been gentle and talented at making exquisite desserts and brewing perfect coffee.

But now, even the music they once shared seemed distant—Fiona had given up her violin.

Breaking free from Jayden’s hand, Elyse said sternly, “Didn’t you want to compete with me alone? Let’s start. Change the string, and I’ll give you a wake-up call.”

Fiona’s confidence faltered under Elyse’s ice-cold stare. Her heart jolted as frustration bubbled up; she thought Elyse had two sides—one for her and another for the men around her.

Fiona couldn’t comprehend how someone as brilliant as Jayden could be fooled by Elyse’s charm. How could he not see Elyse’s true colors? She firmly believed she was the only woman who truly loved Jayden.

Anger and unspoken grievances built up inside her. She had to wait; sooner or later, Jayden would realize he’d been in love with the wrong woman, and then he would pay—double. That thought rekindled Fiona’s spirit. She clung to the fragile fantasy, believing persistence was key.

Steadying herself, Fiona held out her hand. “Give me the string. I need to change it and tune my violin.”

Elyse, clearly annoyed, handed over the new string, thinking that once this competition was over, she could finally rid herself of Fiona’s tiresome presence.

Fiona took her time restringing her violin.

Ten minutes later, she approached Elyse, her instrument ready. “I’m ready. We can start now.”

Elyse eyed her coolly. “How do we determine the winner?”

Fiona hesitated, caught off guard. She hadn’t thought that far ahead. Glancing at the nearby crowd, Elyse said, “Let’s see who can draw the larger crowd. Whoever attracts more people wins.”

Fiona’s face lit up. “That’s a good idea.”

“We’ll play the same piece, one after the other. You can pick the music,” Elyse offered.

Without hesitation, Fiona suggested, “Let’s play ‘Liebesleid.’” . . .