Chapter 851:
At last, Elyse positioned herself in the center of the stage, showcasing her talent under the spotlight with both
grace and precision. As the performance concluded, the audience broke into enthusiastic applause. Elyse bowed
elegantly before leaving the stage from the other side.
Darren loosened his tie, his face lighting up with a smile. “Finally, my moment has arrived. Tto add some
excitement.”
He looked back at Fiona, who was now seated on the floor, looking dazed.
Darren felt no compassion toward her. He cast her one final indifferent glance before redirecting his focus to the
stage.
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Darren took the stage for the final performance. Fiona’s gaze was fixed on him, yet her mind was adrift. Wasn't
she supposed to be the one up there? How had she becthe one left behind, forgotten in the shadows?
Footsteps echoed behind her, snapping her from her daze. She turned slowly, her movements heavy, to see
Elyse approaching in a fiery red dress. Elyse looked down at Fiona with an air of superiority.
Fiona forced a smile, though it barely touched her lips. “How did you get back? You shouldn't have come. Did you
pull sstrings? Otherwise, how could you possibly be here?”
Elyse’s eyes narrowed, her voice sharp as a blade. “Are you indirectly admitting that you tried to sabotage me
and steal my place in the competition?”
Fiona’'s jaw tightened, her pride refusing to let her admit anything. She glared at Elyse, her silence speaking
volumes.
gVInov[JJsis your escape to fiction
Elyse moved closer, circling Fiona like a predator sizing up its prey. She crouched down to meet Fiona’s eyes, her
tone curious yet laced with venom. “I've always wondered, what does the violin really mean to you? Do you truly
love it, or is it just a tool for you to climb the social ladder?”
Fiona’s expression turned icy. “What are you getting at?”
Elyse tilted her head, her gaze unyielding. “It's just that when you used to practice, you were never serious. You
even quit Mr. Tucker's stufor sman. And now, here you are, fighting tooth and nail to get into the Swan
Cup. What's your reason for all of this? Do you regret leaving Mr. Tucker's studio? Are you trying to prove
yourself, hoping he'll take you back?”
Fiona let out a cold laugh, her eyes flashing with defiance. “Why should | explain myself to you? What right do
you have to question me? Letmake one thing clear—I don’t give a damn about Cody Tucker. | only care about
myself.”
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Elyse nodded, her face an unreadable mask as she rose to her feet. She looked down at Fiona, her gaze cold and
distant. “If that’s how you feel, then there’s nothing more to discuss. Stay backstage and watchtake the
stage.”
With that, Elyse’s lips curved into a knowing smile, a silent victory, as she turned and strode confidently out of
the backstage area, leaving Fiona in her wake.
Fiona remained where she was, sinking slowly to the floor as if the weight of her own despair was too much to
bear.
She glanced down at her diamond-encrusted dress, which still glittered with the promise of victory that now
seemed so far out of reach.
She had poured everything into this moment, sacrificed so much to stand in the spotlight, but Elyse had
returned. She was the ghost that refused to be banished.