?Chapter 1846:


    After a beat, she sighed. “Hold off on agreeing. I need to mull it over.”


    Chloe’s disbelief crackled through the line. “Mull it over? This is a once-in-a-blue-moon shot, Elyse! Let it slip, and it’s gone for good. Tomorrow, with the government leaders in attendance and the press buzzing like bees, you’ll be the talk of the town—front-page material! Don’t waver now, Elyse—you’ve got to grab this chance to shine!”


    Elyse’s mind swirled with turmoil as she murmured, her voice tinged with despair, “I just need a little time.”


    Chloe exhaled sharply, her patience thinning. “All right, I’ll give you ten minutes. But you’ve got to give me a firm answer by then—no more dawdling.”


    After the call ended, Elyse set the honeyed milk on the table, her appetite vanishing like mist. Worry etched deep lines across her pale face.


    Tracy, who had caught snippets of the conversation, gaped in disbelief. “Why on earth would you hesitate over such a golden opportunity? Let this slip through your fingers, and it’s gone forever!”


    Elyse let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders slumping. “My heart’s in knots right now. What if I say yes and stumble through the performance tomorrow?”


    Tracy’s frustration bubbled over. “You’re letting Jayden’s absence cloud everything! Listen to me—whether he is found or not, you have to take this stage. Pass this up, and you’ll be kicking yourself for the rest of your days!”


    “But I feel like a wreck,” Elyse countered, her voice trembling. “How can I be sure I won’t fall apart up there?”


    Just then, Driscoll’s calm, steady voice cut through the tension. “You’ve got this. With your talent and expertise, you’ll light up that stage tomorrow—I’ve no doubt. It’s only your deep love for Mr. Owen that’s got you tangled up in your feelings. But don’t lose sight of this: he is no ordinary soul. Could a man like him simply vanish into thin air? We may not have word from him yet, but I’d stake my life he is perfectly fine.”


    Elyse blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion. “How can you be so certain he is safe?”


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    Driscoll shed a warm smile. “It’s likely because I understand his strengths better than any of you. If he returns and learns you passed up a golden chance for his sake, he’ll tear himself apart with guilt.”


    Elyse’s frown eased as she mulled over his words, though a trace of concern still lingered in her gaze. “I see your point. But what about Jayden?”


    Driscoll’s voice was soothing. “Don’t fret about him. He’s perfectly fine. If he’s not here, it’s only because he can’t be.”


    Elyse paused briefly, then nodded in agreement. “Alright, I’ll join the performance. I really hope Jayden makes it back soon.”


    Chloe could barely contain her excitement at Elyse’s agreement and wasted no time hashing out the details of their joint effort.


    After seeing Tracy to the door, Elyse withdrew to her room to try and rest. Yet the void left by Jayden’s absence loomedrge, banishing sleep. Restless, she finally sumbed to exhaustion.


    When morning arrived, the emptiness beside her deepened the pang of loss. She allowed herself a moment of sorrow before setting it aside with determination. Dwelling on sadness wasn’t an option. She had a performance to deliver and a promising future ahead.


    It had been ages since shest visited the Celestial Sounds Symphony. As Chloe ushered her into the dressing room, Darren peeked out with a beaming smile. “Well, well, look who’s decided to show up after all this time.”


    Returning the smile, Elyse replied, “It’s been too long, star of the Celestial.”


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