?<strong>Chapter 487:</strong>


    Elyse seized Vicky’s hand assertively and tugged her out of the restroom. For the first time, Vicky felt an overpowering aura radiate from Elyse. In her momentary distraction, she found herself dragged far away. As they neared the backstage area, Vicky abruptly freed herself from Elyse’s grasp.


    “That’s enough! I’ve told you to mind your own business. I don’t want topete, okay?” Vicky erupted, her voice echoing with anger.


    Elyse stood her ground, unwavering. “I’ve told you that no matter what, you have to participate in thepetition.”


    With a cold smirk, Vicky retorted, “Stop acting like you’re being all kind-hearted with me. If I drop out, you’ll face fewerpetitors and have a better shot at winning easily. Wouldn’t that suit you just fine?”


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    “For others, maybe. But for me, winning without a challenge is worthless,” Elyse replied, her brow furrowed with discontent. “Don’t talk nonsense if you don’t know.”


    Vicky sneered, “Your insistence is absurd. Do you really want to cause yourself that much trouble?”


    Elyse crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow with a confident smirk. “If there isn’t a worthy opponent, winning first ce would feel meaningless to me.”


    “A worthy opponent? Do you consider me worthy?” Vicky asked, a hint of realization dawning on her.


    Elyse nodded without a moment’s hesitation. “You’re the first person I’vepeted against who’s really made me feel the pressure. I’ve always been striving to keep up with you.”


    Elyse’s words pierced the armor around Vicky’s heart, melting her unease, fear, and confusion.


    “Why do you support your opponent? Kick a man when he is down. Have you never heard of this?” Vicky asked, her stubbornness giving way to curiosity.


    Elyse snorted. “I’m not like you, always looking to tear others down.”


    Vicky pointed at Elyse, poised tosh out. But she restrained herself, lowering her hand and muttering, “You have no idea what I’ve been throughtely. Your words are meaningless to me.”


    Leaning against the wall, Elyse replied seriously, “No matter what you’re facing or how hard it is, you can’t give up thepetition.”


    Vicky’s voice trembled. “Do you just want me there to make you look better?”


    A swift, sardonic smile crossed Elyse’s lips. “Because your previous dedication to practicing the violin was genuine, and you didn’t depend on anyone else’s assistance or dishonesty to reach where you are now. You depended on your own efforts to make it to the final.”


    With earnest eyes, Elyse continued, “So don’t quit. You need to secure a spot and face tougherpetitors.”


    After a moment of silence, Vicky whispered, “You’re really toopassionate.”


    The door swung open, and a staff member peeked in. Spotting Vicky, he called out, “Vicky, it’s your time to go onstage. Come on, let’s go. Stop chatting!”


    “Did you hear that? Good luck,” Elyse said, pushing Vicky toward the stage. As she moved, a staff member took Vicky by the arm, guiding her in.


    Once Vicky was inside, Darren emerged, a grin spreading across his face. “I think I did well. I believe I’ve seeded. I’m confident I secured a spot in the internationalpetition.”


    “You helped me stay calm, and now you’re mypetition,” Elyse teased, smiling.


    Darren puffed up with pride. “Do you have any regrets? If I remained nervous, I could end up getting eliminated.”


    “I don’t regret it. In the end, I feel fortunate to be able topete internationally alongside my friend,” Elyse said sincerely.


    Darren, flustered by her honesty, scratched his head, unsure of what to say.


    Curiosity flickering in her eyes, Elyse asked, “What’s been going on with Vickytely? I ran into her earlier, and she mentioned wanting to withdraw from thepetition.”


    “She wants to quit?” Darren echoed in surprise. After a moment of thought, he added, “I’m not fully aware of her situation. All I know is that Abram doesn’t seem to pay much attention to her anymore. She’s no longer the favored one in our orchestra.”


    Elyse was taken aback. “Why isn’t Abram supporting Vicky? She’s his apprentice, dedicated and talented. I don’t get why he’s considering abandoning her.”


    Darren’s expression grew somber. “When ites to power and status, the dynamic between the instructor and the apprentice can get absurd.”


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