?<strong>Chapter 389:</strong>


    Gavin stroked his chin and smiled, asking, “Do you really want topete with me? I’d hate to damage the rtionship that we have.” Irving crossed his arms, looking unimpressed, and retorted, “Can you drop the act? What kind of rtionship do you think we even have?” Gavin remained silent, his smile unchanging, but Irving’s heart raced. Every time Gavin looked at him, Irving felt an unsettling intensity. Could Gavin be interested in men? Irving wondered, immediately putting some space between them. He was sure that he was a straight guy.


    Elyse, observing the odd interaction between the two, linked Fiona’s arm and headed to a room to pick up their numbers. “I’m No. 13 in Group A,” Elyse showed her number to Fiona, curious, and asked, “What’s yours?” Fiona sped her hands together and revealed her number with a devout gesture, then let out a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness. I’m No. 2 in Group D.” Elyse also sighed in relief. “That’s good, we won’t be up against each other.”


    From nearby, Gavin chimed in, “Even though you’re notpeting directly, thepetition locations are different.” He turned to Fiona and said, “Group D will bepeting in the gym. I’ll escort you there immediately. Your turn is one of the early ones, so we can’t bete.” Fiona nodded and said to Elyse, “Do your best and aim to top your group. Then we’ll both make it to the next round.” Elyse nodded, feeling very excited.


    After Fiona and Gavin hurried off to the venue, Elyse looked around and caught Irving’s eye. Noticing her stunned look, Irving raised his eyebrows and teased, “What’s the matter? Got stage fright?” Elyse shook her head. “I just wish I was the first to perform so I wouldn’t have to wait.” Irving rolled his eyes and scoffed, “You’re overthinking it. You might just mess up right from the start. Don’t get too cocky. I’ve seen too many falter who thought like you.” Elyse pouted slightly.


    “Elyse, what are you doing here?” Hearing her name, Elyse turned instinctively and saw Vicky standing there, clutching a violin case, dressed in a ck coat, looking sleek and poised. Vicky gave Elyse a scrutinizing look, her tone unexpectedly firm, saying, “You’repeting in the Champions Cup too? How did you manage to enter? The Champions Cup doesn’t allow individual participants.” Elyse replied coldly, her expression uninterested, “Why do you care about my entry status? Just worry about yourself.” Vickyughed softly, her arms crossed, and added, “Sure, I’ll mind my own business. I hope you do the same and avoid causing any disturbances during thepetition.” Elyse scoffed, no longer interested in continuing the conversation with Vicky. She grabbed Irving’s wrist and said with annoyance, “Let’s go. I don’t want to talk to her.”


    This time, Darren chose not to respond to her. Instead, he was taken aback by Elyse’s presence at the event. He quickly took out his phone to check his registration while calling Elyse. Elyse, already at the venue for Group A, answered in surprise, “Why are you calling?” Darren nced at his number and asked, “What group are you in?” Elyse paused, then answered, “Group A.” Darren let out a breath of relief. “I’m in Group B.” Both of them sighed with relief upon hearing this.


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