?<strong>Chapter 440:</strong>


    Fiona stood next to Elyse, her expression fraught with emotion. Half an hourter, the announcements for the final round qualifiers began.


    “First ce, Elyse Lloyd!” The host spoke gently into the microphone, holding the list in hand.


    Darren beamed at Elyse. Elyse returned a modest smile and gracefully walked up to the stage.


    “Second ce, Vicky Aston, and third ce, Darren Reynolds.”


    As Darren was about to step forward, he paused, turned, and looked at Vicky, who had not moved from her spot.


    “You secured second ce. Why aren’t youing up?” Darren asked pointedly, raising an eyebrow.


    “Are you trying to provoke me?” Vicky retorted coldly, her expression hardening.


    “I don’t understand. I’m third, and honestly, I envy you for cing second,” Darren said with a shrug. He then proceeded onto the stage while Vicky took several deep breaths before finally joining him.


    “Eighth ce, Mariana Dury; ninth ce, Cassidy Lipson; and tenth ce, Fiona Evans,” the host continued with the announcements.


    “Come on, Fiona!” Elyse excitedly waved to Fiona from the stage.


    Fiona mustered a forced smile and gracefully walked onto the stage. Instead of standing beside Elyse, she chose a spot away from her.


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    “Congrattions to all the qualifiers!” the host eximed with a smile. “The grand final will take ce in three days. Two contestants will be eliminated, and the final spots for the internationalpetition will be determined.”


    As the ceremony concluded, the audience began to disperse, and the contestants made their way backstage. Elyse went after Fiona, but Fiona barely acknowledged her and strode off the stage without a nce.


    “Fiona! Hey!” Elyse called out, hurrying after her.


    Suddenly, Vicky bumped into her forcefully. Losing her bnce, Elyse stepped on her dress and stumbled forward.


    “Watch out!” Darren quickly intervened, catching Elyse just in time to prevent a fall.


    “Stop pretending. Do you really think you’re all that?” Vicky sneered, crossing her arms as she red at Elyse.


    “What’s gotten into you?” Elyse asked, finding Vicky’s attitude baffling. “Are you upset because I won first ce and you’re jealous?”


    “Jealous of you? Are you kidding me?” Vicky snapped back. “You just got lucky this time. Next time, you’re going down!”


    “I’ll be waiting for you to try and surpass me,” Elyse retorted without flinching.


    Vicky clenched her teeth and stormed off, visibly angry.


    “That’s just Vicky for you. She can’t stand being outshined,” Darren remarked with a sigh.


    “Whether she can handle it or not, I’m keeping my top spot,” Elyse shrugged.


    “Well, you better hold onto it tight because I’ming for it too.” Darren chuckled.


    “Alright, bring on your challenge,” Elyse responded,ughing heartily.


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