?<strong>Chapter 435:</strong>


    Elyse delivered a solid performance and moved aside after her turn. Rebekah, donning a silver dress that sparkled with diamonds, confidently strode to the center of the stage in her high heels.


    As Rebekah started her routine, Elyse paid close attention to her ying. While Rebekah executed wlessly, her performancecked emotional depth. Quietly, Elyse reassured herself of her own skills,paring favorably with Rebekah as she awaited the results.


    After the initial five contestants of Group Apleted their performances, it was time for Group B. Passing by Elyse, Fiona and Darren hurried to the stage. Stepping down, Elyse watched, hoping both would seed; the thought of either being eliminated troubled her.


    “The piece for Group B is ‘Contemtion.’ Please, the first contestant, prepare,” the host announced.


    Darren positioned himself at center stage, and with the first note, Elyse’s face lit up with a smile. There wasn’t a flicker of worry in him. Dressed not in his usual ck but in a pristine white suit, Darren resembled a refined prince bathed in the spotlight. In that moment, he seemed transformed, his talent shining through, captivating the audience.


    “He’s incredible, isn’t he? He’s performing so well,” Vicky whispered, her makeup wless as Elyse turned to look at her.


    Elyse corrected her gently, “Darren has always been talented. He’s just been battling his nerves.”


    Vicky shot her a dismissive look and sneered, “You’re too naive. Frankly, it’d be better if Darren were eliminated now. It seems more fitting for him.”


    Elyse snapped, “How can you say that?”


    Vicky chuckled, “Have you ever considered how devastating it would be for him if he were to make mistakes on the international stage?” She flipped her long hair back and smirked. “I’m just looking out for him. It’s better he embarrass himself here than on a global stage, don’t you think?”


    Elyse frowned. “I think you just don’t want to see Darren seed.”


    Vicky erupted inughter. “Exactly. I don’t want to see you seed either. I hope both you and Darren are knocked out of thepetition.”


    Elyse retorted, “Well, you might end up disappointed.”


    “We’ll see about that,” Vicky said with a mischievous glint in her eyes as she lifted the hem of her dress and walked away.


    Elyse felt a sting from Vicky’sst look, sensing her malicious intent. Just then, Darrenpleted his performance, and it was Fiona’s turn to step up. Knowing Fiona’s capabilities, Elyse remained unruffled as Fiona began.


    Thepetition was fierce, primarily between Fiona and Darren for the top spot. However, during her performance, Fiona slipped up!


    Elyse’s heart skipped a beat when she heard the error. She looked up, anxiety written across her face. In the audience, Irving clenched his fist, his voice tinged with disbelief. “How could Fiona falter? She’s familiar with the piece. She should have nailed it.”


    Gavin’s face was etched with deep lines of concern, his expression somber. “She shouldn’t have made that mistake,” he muttered.


    The Champions Cup this year brimmed with exceptional talent, heightening the stakes for each contestant. Elyse, haunted by the fear of not advancing, diligently tackled her shorings, while Fiona stumbled in her strongest area. It was not apse of skill but of focus.


    In a steady tone, Gavin suggested, “Speak with her after her performance. Ensure she understands the importance of thispetition. There should be no mistake next time.”


    Irving scoffed dismissively. “Next time? Do you genuinely believe she has another chance? I seriously doubt she’ll break into the top ten this year.”


    Gavin’s silence was a tacit agreement with Irving’s harsh assessment. Fiona’s future in thepetition hinged on the impending results.


    As Group B concluded their rendition, it was Group C’s turn to perform. Noticing Fiona’s withdrawn demeanor, Elyse hesitated to express her own tion to Darren. She approached Fiona instead and gently asked, “Fiona, are you alright?”


    Fiona briskly shook off Elyse’s hand and strode away, wordless. As Elyse watched her depart, she felt a pang of helplessness, unsure how to offer sce. She remained rooted to the spot, shocked.


    Darren approached, noting the tension. “She seemed upset. She just ignored you, didn’t she?”


    Elyse managed a weak smile. “It seems so.”


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