?<strong>Chapter 284:</strong>


    Rebekah shrugged with a sense of righteousness and said, “Thanks to your actions, all of us suffer. Our orchestra’s reputation is now in doubt amongizens, questioning our taste andpetence. Shouldn’t you quit?”


    Elyse’s expression darkened with anger. “I’ve already stated I can prove my innocence,” she spat out.


    Rebekah remained unconvinced that Elyse could resolve the issue. Giving Elyse a disdainful once-over, she scoffed, “Good luck with that.”


    Elyse sensed Rebekah’s opposition evident in the provocative glint in her eyes, which only fueled her irritation. Other orchestra members who harbored their own grievances against Elyse joined in demanding answers. “Your actions have consequences for all of us. You owe us a solution or your resignation,” they asserted.


    Rebekah chimed in with a smug smile, “See? It’s not just me. We all agree you should quit.”


    Elyse nced at them sternly. “Whether I leave or not is not for you to decide. I said I will prove my innocence, and I will,” she dered firmly.


    With that, she gathered her belongings and violin, exiting the lounge without another word.


    Once Elyse exited, the people in the lounge immediately began specting about whether Elyse would be dismissed. Rebekah, with her arms folded, hummed a tune happily as she walked out.


    Among the crowd, Freddy observed the scene and discreetly followed her.


    Meanwhile, Vicky went to Abram’s office. After knocking and entering, she greeted cheerfully, “Mr. Ellsworth, have you decided on Elyse’s punishment? Will she be removed from the tour?”


    Abram, standing by the window, appeared serious. “She must be removed from both the tour and the orchestra. There’s no other option.”


    Surprised, Vicky asked, “But why?”


    Abram stared out the window, his expression troubled. “Elyse is a musical genius. Her talent surpasses yours by far.”


    Vicky was stunned. “What are you saying?”


    Abram sighed heavily, turning to face her. “Elyse has had superior musical talentpared to yours for quite some time. Her only shoring is herck of stage experience. If she remains in the orchestra, you won’t be able to maintain your position as the best performer.”


    Vicky was too shocked to respond. Abram’s words implied his acknowledgment of Elyse’s abilities.


    sping her fists, Vicky asked, “Do you also believe that Elyse is better than me?”


    Abram realized Vicky hadn’t got him. He picked up hisptop and yed a song for her. “Vicky, what do you think of this song?”


    Confused, Vicky replied, “It’s just a song. I like it. Is it new?”


    Abram rified, “It’s a new song by Mabel Lloyd that was taken down. I found it online. Can youpose something simr after listening to it?”


    Vicky shook her head. “I’m afraid I can’t. This song wasposed by Elyse. She’s capable of it,” Abram said, pausing the music.


    Vicky was astonished. “Mr. Ellsworth, do you believe Elyse canpose such a song? How is that possible? The melody was captivating.”


    Abram shrugged helplessly. “I understand your disbelief, but it’s true. She used an unfinished song to demonstrate her abilities.”


    After a moment of silence, Abram ced a hand on Vicky’s shoulder and said solemnly, “That’s why I can’t allow her to remain in the orchestra. You are our orchestra’s sole representative in the national contest. Do you now understand?”


    Vicky was utterly bewildered. She began to wonder if Abram was removing Elyse because he doubted her ability topete against Elyse’s.


    Feeling humiliated, Vicky clung to the belief that she was far more skilled than Elyse.


    Abram gazed at Vicky, his prized apprentice. Despite Elyse’s superiorpetence, he couldn’t afford to give her any opportunities. His determination was set on ensuring his Vicky stood out above all.


    As Vicky left his office, she found sce in the garden. It wasn’t long before Rebekah approached her.


    Upon seeing Rebekah, Vicky felt a surge of irritation. She asked sharply, “What brings you here?”


    With a smile, Rebekah leaned in. “I’m here to offer my congrattions.”


    Perplexed, Vicky asked, “Congrattions for what?”


    Rebekah exined, “For soon being the sole talented violinist in the orchestra. Elyse, the troublesome one, will be leaving. You’ll reign supreme.”


    Vicky’s gaze sharpened. Remembering that even her instructor had acknowledged Elyse’spetence, Rebekah’s words felt more like a humiliation.


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