Chapter 435:
Elyse delivered a solid performance and moved aside after her turn. Rebekah, donning a silver dress that
sparkled with diamonds, confidently strode to the center of the stage in her high heels.
As Rebekah started her routine, Elyse paid close attention to her playing. While Rebekah executed flawlessly, her
performance lacked emotional depth. Quietly, Elyse reassured herself of her own skills, comparing favorably with
Rebekah as she awaited the results.
After the initial five contestants of Group A completed their performances, it was tfor Group B. Passing by
Elyse, Fiona and Darren hurried to the stage. Stepping down, Elyse watched, hoping both would succeed; the
thought of either being eliminated troubled her.
“The piece for Group B is ‘Contemplation.’ Please, the first contestant, prepare,” the host announced.
Darren positioned himself at center stage, and with the first note, Elyse’s face lit up with a smile. There wasn’t a
flicker of worry in him. Dressed not in his usual black but in a pristine white suit, Darren resembled a refined
prince bathed in the spotlight. In that moment, he seemed transformed, his talent shining through, captivating
the audience.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
“He's incredible, isn't he? He’s performing so well,” Vicky whispered, her makeup flawless as Elyse turned to look
at her.
Elyse corrected her gently, “Darren has always been talented. He's just been battling his nerves.”
Every journey starts at gvVinov[jJs[Jom
Vicky shot her a dismissive look and sneered, “You're too naive. Frankly, it'd be better if Darren were eliminated
now. It seems more fitting for him.”
Elyse snapped, “How can you say that?”
Vicky chuckled, “Have you ever considered how devastating it would be for him if he were to make mistakes on
the international stage?” She flipped her long hair back and smirked. “I'm just looking out for him. It’s better he
embarrass himself here than on a global stage, don’t you think?”
Elyse frowned. “I think you just don’t want to see Darren succeed.”
Vicky erupted in laughter. “Exactly. | don’t want to see you succeed either. | hope both you and Darren are
knocked out of the competition.”
Elyse retorted, “Well, you might end up disappointed.”
“We'll see about that,” Vicky said with a mischievous glint in her eyes as she lifted the hem of her dress and
walked away.
Elyse felt a sting from Vicky's last look, sensing her malicious intent. Just then, Darren completed his
performance, and it was Fiona’s turn to step up. Knowing Fiona’s capabilities, Elyse remained unruffled as Fiona
began.
The competition was fierce, primarily between Fiona and Darren for the top spot. However, during her
performance, Fiona slipped up!
Elyse’s heart skipped a beat when she heard the error. She looked up, anxiety written across her face. In the
audience, Irving clenched his fist, his voice tinged with disbelief. “How could Fiona falter? She’s familiar with the
piece. She should have nailed it.”
Gavin's face was etched with deep lines of concern, his expression somber. “She shouldn't have made that
mistake,” he muttered.
The Champions Cup this year brimmed with exceptional talent, heightening the stakes for each contestant.
Elyse, haunted by the fear of not advancing, diligently tackled her shortcomings, while Fiona stumbled in her
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmstrongest area. It was not a lapse of skill but of focus.
In a steady tone, Gavin suggested, “Speak with her after her performance. Ensure she understands the
importance of this competition. There should be no mistake next time.”
Irving scoffed dismissively. “Next time? Do you genuinely believe she has another chance? | seriously doubt
she'll break into the top ten this year.”
Gavin's silence was a tacit agreement with Irving's harsh assessment. Fiona’s future in the competition hinged
on the impending results.
As Group B concluded their rendition, it was Group C’s turn to perform. Noticing Fiona’s withdrawn demeanor,
Elyse hesitated to express her own elation to Darren. She approached Fiona instead and gently asked, “Fiona, are
you alright?”
Fiona briskly shook off Elyse’s hand and strode away, wordless. As Elyse watched her depart, she felt a pang of
helplessness, unsure how to offer solace. She remained rooted to the spot, shocked.
Darren approached, noting the tension. “She seemed upset. She just ignored you, didn’t she?”
Elyse managed a weak smile. “It seems so.”