?<strong>Chapter 227:</strong>


    Jayden had been intimate with Elyse on multiple asions, leaving behind physical reminders of their encounters. On the second day, Elyse’s menstrual cycle began. Feeling relieved, she quietly asked Jayden to give her space over the next few days. To her surprise, he respected her request, showing more consideration than usual.


    Elyse was puzzled by Jayden’s changed behavior until she noticed Driscoll constantly talking to Jayden, who seemed visibly frustrated. Understanding the influence behind his transformation, Elyse couldn’t help butugh.


    A week passed, and the Celestial Sounds Symphony was on the verge of starting their tour. Many members were new to suchrge-scale events, creating a palpably tense atmosphere, which Elyse also felt. She isted herself in a corner of the rehearsal room, practicing solo.


    Vicky, strutting in with high heels and arms crossed, approached Elyse with an air of arrogance. Elyse looked up into Vicky’s mocking gaze and asked calmly, “What do you want?”


    “You’ve never performed on a big stage before, have you? Make sure you don’t drag me down during the tour. I don’t need any blemishes on my record,” Vicky retorted with a smug smile, standing tall.


    Despite Vicky’s arrogance, Elyse responded coolly, “You should focus on your own performance instead of worrying about mine.” She nced at Vicky’s attire and asked, “Aren’t you cold in that dress? It’s autumn.”


    Vicky snorted and replied disdainfully, “Don’tpare me to you. I’ll change into my stage dresster.”


    Not wanting to prolong the conversation, Elyse dismissed Vicky with an icy demeanor. Delighted by Elyse’s apparent irritation, Vicky hummed a tune and strutted away.


    As Elyse packed her things before leaving, her phone rang. It was Mabel. Casually, Elyse answered, “What is it? What do you need?”


    Elyse, which room are you in right now? I’lle inside to see you,” Mabel replied cheerfully, sounding every bit the caring sister.


    Puzzled, Elyse asked, “Why are you around?”


    “I’ve missed you, Elyse. I noticed a lounge here. I’ll wait for you,” Mabel exined, without waiting for a response, she quickly ended the call.


    Elyse’s eyebrows knitted together; something felt off. She grabbed her purse and headed towards the lounge with a sense of foreboding. Mabel was perched in a corner of the lounge and walked over to Elyse as she entered. Removing her sunsses, she pointed to the empty seat across from her and smiled warmly. “Elyse, it’s been a while. Please sit down. I got this coffee for you.”


    Elyse’s eyebrows arched as she sat, surveying Mabel. Thest time they had met was because of Theo, andter Elyse heard from Glenda that Theo had sent Mabel home. Since then, Elyse hadn’t given much thought to Mabel, not considering their rtionship close enough to share a casual coffee. Eyeing the coffee suspiciously, she doubted Mabel’s intentions were purely altruistic. Elyse decided to cut to the chase, opting not to touch the coffee. “What do you want to talk about?” she asked directly.


    Mabel flipped her bangs and adopted a softer tone. “Elyse, do you have to be so formal with me?”


    Elyse’s expression darkened with impatience. “What is it that you’re trying to say?”


    Mabel responded with earnestness, herrge eyes conveying sincerity. “I know we haven’t been close, but we are still sisters, aren’t we? Can’t you put aside your judgments and just talk to me openly?”


    Despite Mabel’s seemingly genuine plea, Elyse felt more certain that Mabel was up to no good. Deciding to y along, Elyse softened her tone artificially and mirrored Mabel’s sentiment. “It’s good to hear you say that. You’ve really matured.”


    At this, a flicker of cunning appeared in Mabel’s eyes, and her cheerful facade briefly slipped. With a tone of sorrow, she said, “Elyse, I’ve made mistakes in the past. I didn’t take my career seriously. Now I find myself shut out from the entertainment industry.”


    Feigning surprise, Elyse probed, “Really? But the scandal from before seems forgotten. Why can’t you return to the entertainment industry?”


    Mabel shook her head, her expression full of distress. “I don’t know. I feel so trapped. If I can’t make aeback as a singer, what am I supposed to do?” With these words, she squeezed out a tear and grasped Elyse’s hand with feigned despair. “Elyse, I need your help so desperately.”


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