?<strong>Chapter 484:</strong>


    Tracy took it upon herself to persuade Elyse, seeing herself as a guardian of their love. When Elyse and Jayden eventually reconciled, they must reward her handsomely; otherwise, she would withhold her help the next time.


    To Elyse’s astonishment, Jayden appeared, despite their previous quarrel having been intense and tempestuous. She found the situation intricate. Holding her phone, she stared at the photo for a prolonged moment before finally sending a message. “I understand.” She then set her phone aside.


    Tracy observed that Elyse’s expression had softened. Raising an eyebrow, she inquired with a hint of yful curiosity, “Feeling better now? He’s waiting for you in the audience, isn’t he?”


    Elyse nodded. “I didn’t expect him toe.”


    Tracy sprang to her feet, pping her hands in delight. “My mission is aplished. I’ll be waiting in the audience. You should head backstage to get prepared.”


    Elyse nodded, watching Tracy depart. She then retrieved her lipstick from her purse and applied it, gazing at her reflection until she felt a sense of calm wash over her.


    As the moment approached, Fiona stood and said, “Let’s head backstage.”


    “Alright, let’s go.”


    Elyse linked Fiona’s arm, and they walked backstage at a leisurely pace. On their way, they encountered Vicky and Darren.


    The moment Darren saw Elyse, he left Vicky behind and approached her with a smile. “Are you ready? I’m aiming to beat you to first ce.”


    Elyse returned his smile. “Of course, I’m ready. I’m afraid you might not beat me.”


    Vicky was speechless as she witnessed the friendly banter between Elyse and Darren. “What a revolting conversation! How can the top twopetitors have such a good rtionship? You should be rivals, always.”


    Elyse nced at Vicky with puzzlement. “Do you only see people aspetitors and not friends in your life?”


    “Can you be friends with your rivals?” Vicky scoffed.


    Elyse responded calmly, “Human rtionships are intricate and cannot be encapsted in a single word. Darren and I can be friends and rivals simultaneously. We understand and challenge each other. It’s a beautiful dynamic.”


    Darren stifled augh and remarked, “Let’s drop it. Vicky the genius has no friends, only sycophants, which is why she dislikes hanging out.”


    “Darren Reynolds!” Vicky was livid. She truly couldn’t fathom why Darren was so supportive of Elyse. After all, she had known him longer than Elyse did. “Why do you always oppose me? Shouldn’t you be siding against Elyse now that she’s your rival?” Vicky asked in confusion, her tone aggrieved.


    Darren responded confidently, “Elyse is certainly my friend. We’re very close, and naturally, I’m willing to take her side.”


    “Hopeless! Pathetic!” Vicky, not wanting to engage with Darren any longer, swiftly walked away, clutching the violin case tightly to her chest.


    Elyse observed Vicky’s somber demeanor and furrowed her brow. “Haven’t we pushed too hard this time? She appears to be upset.”


    Darren shook his head solemnly. “I honestly wish she’d allow herself to feel sad for once. Maybe then she’d take a moment to reflect on her issues. She’s never considered herself wrong before, always been so arrogant.”


    Then, a thought struck Darren, and he continued, “You know what? Vicky has been in a really rough patchtely. She’s been making mistakes in the orchestra, and Grace’s overall score has been outshining hers. She must be starting to doubt herself, and that’s probably why she’s acting this way.”


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