?<strong>Chapter 365:</strong>


    Elyse picked up the coffee cup and took a sip, savoring the strong aroma that left a fragrant taste in her mouth. Driscoll savored a sip from his cup, then remarked deliberately, “Ah, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. The water temperature was spot on, enhancing its full-bodied vor.”


    Cody raised an eyebrow in surprise. “You can tell just from the taste?”


    “I traveled there when I was younger; after tasting it once, I couldn’t forget,” Driscoll smiled warmly.


    Cody turned to Elyse. “Weren’t you supposed to be rehearsing at the Celestial Sounds Symphony today?”


    Elyse felt a twinge of embarrassment as she admitted she had been fired.


    Cody frowned, puzzled. “How did you miss your chance to get reinstated?”


    She fell silent, unable to find the right words to exin. Driscoll hade prepared to exin everything and take the me, but Elyse shook her head, stopping him. She took a breath and said, “I was kidnapped.”


    After listening to the whole story, Cody was stunned. “You were kidnapped? And your sister orchestrated this?”


    Elyse nodded with a bitter smile. “But why would she set a trap for you? You’re family.”


    Elyse shook her head again. She still didn’t understand why Mabel had plotted against her and hadn’t heard a single apology. Staring down at her coffee, she said quietly, “We aren’t biological sisters. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t like me.”


    Cody looked even more confused. “You’re not biological sisters?”


    Elyse clenched her cup nervously. “My parents died years ago. My mother is actually Lanny’s sister.”


    Cody’s expression became curious. He looked at Elyse thoughtfully, his eyes searching for answers.


    Elyse quickly cut off the topic, forcing a smile. “This conversation is too heavy. I’d rather skip it. Mr. Tucker, is that all right?”


    “Of course,” Cody replied with a nod. “Well, I’d like to ask, what other opportunities do I have if I want to continue on this musical path?” Elyseposed herself, finally voicing the question she had been longing to ask.


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    Cody rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Why are you asking?”


    Elyse blinked, confused. “What do you mean?”


    Cody leaned forward and spoke earnestly. “You’re my apprentice. I’ve been guiding you this whole time.”


    Elyse stood frozen, unable to respond. She was too surprised to find any words. Driscoll, equally stunned, asked, “You’re his apprentice? Why didn’t you tell us?”


    Elyse stammered, “I…I didn’t know. When did I be his apprentice?”


    Cody pressed on, “If you weren’t, why would I have taught you violin techniques and taken the time tofort and encourage you?”


    That question stumped Elyse, leaving her unable to answer. Cody continued, “You’ve been my apprentice for a long time, but you’re too dense to realize it.”


    Elyse stood there utterly stunned. When had she be Cody’s apprentice? Was he right about her dullness? After pondering for a while, she finally gave up trying to figure it out. No matter what, she was Cody’s apprentice now. Once she came to terms with this, she shed a sweet smile at Cody.


    He smiled back. “I have another four apprentices. I’ll introduce them to you another day. Since you’ve left the Celestial Sounds Symphony,e practice with me daily.”


    “Okay, that’s wonderful,” Elyse turned to Driscoll, who nodded his encouragement.


    Cody nced at his wristwatch and said, “Head back and practice hard. You haven’t been keeping up with your violintely, have you? Other apprentices of mine will be here tomorrow to hear you y.”


    Elyse’s smile vanished. She realized she hadn’t been practicing diligently, and her days had been slipping by in a haze. Noticing her expression, Cody sensed she was falling behind. “All right, go home and practice your violin.”


    With a sheepish grin, Elyse began to leave. Driscoll shyly pulled a notebook from his bag. “Could I trouble you for an autograph before I leave?”


    Cody took the notebook, picked up a pen, and smiled. “Of course.”


    Driscoll exined, “My wife is a huge fan. Whenever you went on tour, she’d grab tickets to see you y live.”


    Cody’s eyes lit up. “That’s wonderful to hear. It brings back fond memories.”


    Driscoll added, “She also adored your partner. She always thought the two of you made the best partners when you yed together.”


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