Chapter 936:
Fiona glanced at Elyse, now the center of attention, and arched an eyebrow. She thought that Elyse should enjoy her moment, for once she won Jayden’s heart completely, Elyse’s favorable days would end.
Elyse, casually surveying the crowd, caught Fiona’s challenging look, noting the malice behind it. Recalling past competitions, Elyse realized Fiona had become far more callous and unscrupulous.
Elyse sensed Fiona’s challenge was more than mere competition; a deeper motive undoubtedly existed. With a subtle lowering of her gaze, she concealed her growing wariness and the chill settling in her eyes.
After her performance, Elyse exited the crowd, with Fiona doggedly trailing behind. Carrying her violin case, Elyse eyed Fiona suspiciously. “The competition’s over. What more do you want?”
Fiona glanced at Jayden, standing protectively beside Elyse, then bit her lip, desperation flickering across her face. “I’m broke. I need money, or at least a place to stay.”
Elyse recoiled, puzzled. “You’re out of money? Where did it all go?”
Fiona clenched her teeth, her situation more dire than she could admit. She couldn’t reveal that Kaelyn had taken all her funds or threatened her life should she divulge anything to Elyse.
With feigned righteousness, Fiona declared, “You have to help me find somewhere to stay, or I’ll let everyone know you abandoned me when I needed you most.”
Elyse’s frustration boiled over. “You think so lowly of me, yet you expect me to help you? Why would I do anything for you?”
Fiona shot back defiantly, “If you won’t help me, I’ll expose your true character right here, right now.” She eyed the bystanders, calculating, ready to tarnish Elyse’s reputation.
Elyse, overwhelmed by Fiona’s relentless manipulation, exclaimed, “How did you become like this, Fiona? What is it you really want?”
Meanwhile, Jayden’s patience had worn thin. His view of Fiona as a greedy, never-satisfied pretender solidified into disgust. Her unrelenting greed made her repugnant in his eyes.
“Enough,” Jayden snapped decisively. “I’ll find someone to handle her. She’s caused enough trouble. Let’s go.” He had little patience for individuals like Fiona, who floated through life with a deluded sense of entitlement, believing themselves above the fray.
Elyse caught the edge in Jayden’s voice, the barely concealed threat sending a chill through her. “Jayden, no matter how repulsive Fiona is, please, let’s not resort to anything drastic.”
The atmosphere was already tense in the town, rife with unrest and the lurking threat of violence. Elyse feared that in the chaos, Jayden might find it all too easy to justify severe actions against Fiona. But she couldn’t bear the thought of Jayden tarnishing his conscience with violence.