?<strong>Chapter 1619:</strong>


    “Thank you for the kind invitation. I’m truly honored to be here,” she said smoothly.


    Reba sped her hand with a warmth that felt almost too genuine. “The honor is mine, my dear friend. I always ensure those close to me are received with the highest courtesy. Consider this a small token of my hospitality.”


    Elyse’s smile widened, but she remained silent.


    After a brief exchange of pleasantries, she and Chloe were ushered into a waiting car headed for their hotel.


    As they settled in, Reba nced at Chloe and asked, “Is she a violinist as well?”


    Elyse threw Chloe a sideways nce before replying, “No, she is my agent. She is here to make sure everything runs smoothly for the performance.”


    Reba’s disappointment was palpable when she discovered Chloe wasn’t a violinist. An oppressive silence descended over the car ride to the hotel, with Reba withdrawingpletely from any conversation with Elyse.


    Though Elyse noticed the dramatic shift in Reba’s demeanor, she maintained herposure, gazing steadily at the passingndscape. Only Chloe found herself adrift in confusion, sensing the inexplicable frost that had settled over their group.


    The instant they reached their hotel room, Chloe gravitated toward Elyse, her voice trembling as she described Reba’s sudden transformation.


    Elyse’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “Your instincts aren’t wrong—Reba has indeed changed her tune.”


    “But why?” Chloe’s eyes pleaded for understanding.


    Elyse weighed her words carefully, her mind calcting the gentlest way to unveil the truth. Finally, she decided directness would serve best.


    “Chloe, take everything Reba says with a grain of salt. This concert is nothing but an borate snare, and I’m the intended prey. I don’t want to see you hurt in the crossfire.”


    The revtion struck Chloe like a physical blow. “That can’t be right. She seemed so genuine about wanting you to perform.”


    Elyse shook her head solemnly. “It’s all smoke and mirrors. Keep your distance from her. Her words are poison. The contempt she harbors for me extends to you by association.”


    The gravity of this truth sent Chloe sinking into a chair, her mind reeling as she struggled to reconcile this new reality.


    Meanwhile, Elyse stood unwavering, her resolve hardened by the anticipation of this inevitable confrontation with Reba.


    Just as Elyse prepared to rest, having changed intofortable attire, Celeste’s call pierced the quiet.


    Her voice erupted through the speaker, zing with fury. “Why would you agree to perform for that snake? Have you forgotten how she destroyed your father’s career? Come home immediately—I’ll arrange everything!”


    Elyse, though surprised by Celeste’s knowledge of her whereabouts, responded with measured respect. “My decision is final. I will perform.”


    Celeste’s tone cut like steel. “Have you lost your mind? Your father lost everything because of her!”


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