?<strong>Chapter 265:</strong>


    Elyse was stunned when she saw what Corrie had given her: a sexy,cy lingerie set that left little to the imagination. Inside the gift box was a card that read, “Ms. Lloyd, Jayden prefers a naughty kitten in bed.” Elyse, with a nk expression, ripped the card in two and tossed it back into the box alongside the underwear. She then took the gift box downstairs, handing it to Driscoll, saying, “I’ve inspected the gift. Could you handle it for me?”


    Perplexed, Driscoll couldn’t fathom how she had finished so quickly. Still in the living room, Jayden curiously asked, “What did Corrie send you?” Elyse replied with a cold sneer, “Your favorite naughty kitten.”


    Jayden frowned. “Who said he liked kittens? Rabbits were more his thing.” Elyse let out a dismissive snort and swiftly headed back upstairs. Jayden, with an impassive face, signaled to Driscoll, “Give me the box.” Driscoll obediently passed it to him.


    The moment Jayden opened the gift box, his expression darkened. Driscoll closed his eyes and stayed silent, pretending he hadn’t noticed. Jayden pieced the torn card together and recognized the writing. A cruel grin crossed his lips. Driscoll sighed and remarked, “Miss Bates is too reckless. Her family has had it too easytely. They need a little struggle.”


    Jayden mmed the box shut, his aura chillingly cold. Driscoll knew Corrie had really overstepped this time. As Jayden’s supposed ex-girlfriend, she should’ve stayed quiet. Instead, she tried to stir up trouble with Elyse. Elyse had already been mad at Jayden, and now this gift would only make things worse. Driscoll could see Jayden was in for a rough time. Elyse turned in early that night.


    Jayden silently moved to the bed but didn’t dare touch her, afraid she’d sit up and ask if he really liked naughty kittens.


    Darren wasn’t really into kittens, but he definitely had a soft spot for rabbits. Elyse was just as adorable as rabbits. Elyse, however, simply rolled over, seemingly unaware he was there.


    The next morning, as soon as Elyse stepped into the rehearsal room, she was immediately stopped. Darren was leading the orchestra members, holding a bouquet of flowers as they gathered around her. With a smile, Darren announced, “Congrattions! You won the first leg of the tour, and it’s a fantastic start.”


    Elyse was momentarily stunned but soon took the bouquet with joy. “We couldn’t have done it without everyone’s effort.” After chatting with them for a bit, Elyse realized just how sessful theirst performance had been. Tickets for the uing stops had already sold out, and she was gaining poprity.


    Darren then gently pulled her aside out of the room. “You’ve really turned things around this time,” he said.


    “What do you mean?” Elyse asked, a little confused.


    With his smile deepening, Darren exined, “Now that you’re getting popr, lots of people will buy tickets just to see you. So, you’ve been selected as one of the dual concertmasters.”


    He gave Elyse a pat on the shoulder and added, “You’re right up there with Vicky now. She didn’t leave you in the dust. You’ve caught up to her.”


    Elyse couldn’t believe how sessful she had be. It all felt like a dream. “The announcement about the dual concertmasters will be made at noon,” Darren blinked at her with a grin. “I’m the director’s apprentice, remember? So, I gave you a heads-up.”


    Elyse just stared at him, speechless.


    “Are you so excited you’re speechless?” he teased, amused.


    Elyse was at a loss for words. “Does Vicky know about the dual concertmasters?” she finally asked.


    Darren shrugged casually. “She found out yesterday, but I have no clue how she took the news. If you’re worried she might stir up trouble, just be ready.”


    Elyse looked worried, and Darren tried to reassure her. “I get that you’re concerned about Vicky, butpetition is brutal. She was overconfident before the tour and didn’t take care of herself in the cold rehearsal room, hardly wearing anything. She blew her own chance.”


    After a moment’s pause, he continued, “But you grabbed this opportunity, didn’t you? That’s just how fate works. Her arrogance cost her thepetition.”


    Elyse thought for a while and then nodded. “You’re right. I’d have seized the opportunity too if I’d had a second chance.”


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