?<strong>Chapter 485:</strong>
Elyse was taken aback by Darren’s words, her confusion evident as she asked, “What happened to her?”
Darren, with a history of rivalry with Vicky, admitted his ignorance on the matter. “I’m not sure, but it’s clear she’s deeply affected by something.”
Elyse ran her hand through the back of her hair. She had limited knowledge about Vicky, paled inparison to Darren’s. After all, he had known Vicky since they were young.
Backstage, the ten contestants stood apart, even those once on good terms opting for distance. They now weren’t allies striving together but rivals locked inpetition. Their camaraderie ceased at this pivotal moment.
“Let’s wee our ten contestants to the stage,” the host announced.
Elyse, the first-ce winner, led the way onto the stage. As she surveyed the judging panel, her surprise peaked at the sight of someone unexpected.
It was Freda! Why was she seated at the judging panel, prominently positioned?
Freda, chin in hand, delighted in Elyse’s evident shock and doubt. Her satisfaction knew no bounds. This was precisely what Freda desired—to witness the disbelief on Elyse’s face. She had endured to this moment for that express purpose.
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Her family, deeply entrenched in the music industry despite their business ventures, held significant sway. They were major investors in various domestic events, including the Champions Cup. Thus, Freda’s position as a judge, backed by her family’s influence, was easily secured. Besides, the individuals in the music industrycked the financial resources for such investments. If Freda aimed to secure a judging role, it would be a walk in the park.
Freda basked in her triumph, boldly winking at Elyse and even pulling a face, a deliberate act of provocation.
Receiving Freda’s unmistakable signal of defiance, Elyse couldn’t help but furrow her brow. Was Freda here to deliberately stir up trouble for her? The possibility gnawed at Elyse’s mind as she contemted the situation.
Speechless, Elyse hadn’t anticipated bing someone’s target after severing ties with Theo. At that moment, she found herself grappling with an unfamiliar pang of regret, questioning the choice she once made to be with Theo.
“Elyse Lloyd will now grace us with the enchanting melody of ‘The Wanderer,’” the host dered before exiting the stage with the other contestants, leaving Elyse tomand the spotlight solo.
Elyse took center stage, striking a pose before drawing the first note from her violin, captivating the audience.
“Absolutely marvelous! Her performance is wless, showing both skill and poise. She’s a genius.”
“It’s like she’s always been at the top, pouring her heart into every note.”
“Did you know Elyse is Cody’s apprentice? Her ying is anything but rigid; she exudes pure joy.”
As the judges whispered their admiration, Freda couldn’t hide her tight frown.
Did Elyse truly deserve such praise? Although not a music expert, Freda could appreciate beauty when she heard it. Elyse’s violin resonated with haunting melodies, conveying the wanderer’s profound solitude and the ethereal glow of moonlight.
Yet, despite the brilliance of her performance, Freda couldn’t shake her disdain for Elyse. How could Elyse garner such high acim?
With a disdainful nce around, Freda dared to interject, “Let’s not get carried away with Elyse’s performance. She’s not as exceptional as you believe.”
After her remark, Freda scanned the room with a brazen air. Her eyes gleamed with determination as she silently cautioned several judges against awarding high scores to Elyse with a stern gaze.
Caught in a moment of uncertainty, the judges exchanged uneasy nces, mindful of Freda’s influential position as an investor.
Unbeknownst to Freda, Gavin sat discreetly behind the judges’ panel, overhearing every word. Gavin observed her with a hint of astonishment, pondering the underlying motive behind her relentless focus on targeting Elyse.
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