Chapter 996:

“You are so impossible! Get out! Unauthorized people are not allowed in the concert hall!” Mabel harbored an innate fear of Theo, one she could not readily acknowledge.

Theo calmly watched Mabel’s growing emotional breakdown, a smirk on his face. “So, shall we set a time to meet again?”

Unable to bear it any longer, Mabel yelled with all her might, her face flushed with anger. “Leave me alone! Get out of here, you maniac!”

Theo watched her, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. His visit to the concert hall had a genuine purpose, and he wasn’t about to pressure Mabel into dinner; he clearly wasn’t willing. There would always be other chances.

Once Theo departed, Mabel began to find her peace. In this calm moment, she understood the depth of her fear towards Theo. She gritted her teeth, frustrated by her perceived vulnerability.

Yet, dealing with him was a challenge she felt unprepared for, unlike the simpler interactions with Elyse. “Blast it! He has ruined my day. Now I can’t concentrate on my task.” Mabel made her way quickly to the concert hall’s back exit.

At the same time, Theo entered the stage area and spotted Elyse. Seated and watching the rehearsal, Elyse was surprised to see him. She stood up quickly. “What brings you here?”

“We need to talk,” Theo responded, scanning the crowd. “Is this a good time?”

Elyse declined gently. “I’m sorry. I can’t leave right now. We’ll have to talk after the rehearsal.”

Accepting her terms, Theo sat beside her. “I’ll wait here then. Just don’t turn me away.”

Noticing her confused expression, he continued, “I won’t compel you to return to me, especially not here.” Elyse, intrigued, raised an eyebrow. “It seems you’ve changed. Has time helped you move on?”

Theo’s tone softened. “Actually, it was you who showed me how to truly respect someone I love. I didn’t understand that before, but now I do.”

Elyse opened her mouth to speak but said nothing, turning her attention back to the stage.

After Edward wrapped up his performance and stepped off the stage, his eyes scanned the hall until they landed on Elyse. He found her sitting next to a guy—a good-looking one at that—but not quite as handsome as himself, at least in his own opinion.

Casually brushing a hand across his cheek, Edward strutted over to Elyse with a teasing grin. “Hey, where’s your water? Let me have a sip.” . . .