?<strong>Chapter 784:</strong>


    Irritated by Elyse’s continual denials, Fiona’s temper red as she eximed, “All I did was ask a simple question, and you’re getting this upset with me?”


    Elyse, though puzzled by Fiona’s insistence, tried to keep herposure as she rified, “Look, first off, you and I aren’t exactly friends, and secondly, I couldn’t care less about whatever thatpetitor is up to. So, no matter how much you press, I simply don’t have the answers.”


    With a serious look, Elyse continued, “The Comeback Competition is just three days away, and it looks like you’re not focusing on that. You didn’t even make it to the finals. Why worry about others’ misdeeds?”


    Fiona mmed her hand on the table, frustration boiling over. “I was just trying to have a normal chat with you, and this is how you react? I totally misread you.”


    Without hesitation, Elyse snapped back, “No, it seems I’m the one who misread you. Gavin did too, and so did Mr. Tucker.”


    “You!” Fiona was seething, her anger ignited by Elyse’s words. She inhaled deeply, attempting to soothe her fury, before dering, “I will reach the finals. Just you wait.”


    Elyse responded with grave sincerity, “I doubt you can surpass Geraldine. Her professionalism, skill, and attitude outshine yours by far. You’re simply no match for her.”


    This time, Fiona chose not to retaliate. Instead, she shed an enigmatic smile and remarked, “Does it really matter if she’s superior? The main thing is reaching the finals, isn’t it?”


    Elyse found Fiona’s response peculiar, yet she couldn’t quite figure out why. She eyed Fiona with a hint of suspicion.


    Nevertheless, Fiona wasn’t interested in prolonging their discussion. She swiftly finished her burger, gathered her tray, and departed. With Fiona absent, Elyse felt a wave of relief wash over her. She leisurely finished her meal and noted that night had enveloped the sky.


    Upon leaving the restaurant, Elyse resolved to practice her violin. As she strolled past a small square, a beautiful melody reached her ears. It was the sound of a violin.


    With her violin case in hand, Elyse approached the source of the music, finding someone deeply engrossed in their performance beside a flowerbed. As she approached, the figure beneath the streetlight became clear—it was Edward.


    At his feety his violin case, now serving as a makeshift collection box for appreciative onlookers who tossed in coins. Edward seemed indifferent to the passersby, yet each time a coin clinked against the case, a cunning smile briefly yed across his lips.


    Elyse caught that fleeting grin; she had not missed it. She recalled Gavin mentioning once how Edward could earn enough from a singlemercial gig to afford a new car, yet here he was, delighting in the modest earnings from his street performance.


    After pondering for a moment, Elyse pulled out her own violin, positioned herself, and awaited the perfect cue to harmonize with his melody.


    Edward, catching the sound of her preparations, turned with a look of surprise. Upon seeing Elyse, his surprise morphed into joy.


    He ceased ying and addressed her, “Can you y ‘City of Stars’? Let’s go with that—it’s just right for this beautiful evening.”


    Elyse suppressed augh. She adjusted her stance and delicately struck the strings of her violin. Edward faced her, entering the melody at the perfect moment.


    Tonight, the snow had taken a break, prompting more pedestrians to venture out. Attracted by the melody, a few slowly gathered around them.


    During a brief lull in Edward’s performance, he stole a nce at Elyse.


    d in a gray woolen hat and wrapped in a thick down jacket, her fingers were tinged red from the chill.


    Her gaze was locked on her violin, and lost in her focus, she parted her lips slightly, releasing a warm breath into the cold air.


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