?<strong>Chapter 491:</strong>


    Darren nced at Vicky and remarked, “You’ve rehearsed this repeatedly. There’s no need for such smugness now. Can’t you hold back a bit?”


    Vicky let out a dismissive snort and responded with a grin, “Why should I hide my confidence? Haven’t I been doing just that for years?”


    Darren was about to respond when Elyse’s performance began, capturing his attention and silencing his conversation with Vicky.


    Vicky, too, was intrigued to see how Elyse would handle the piece.


    From what she recalled, Elyse had always struggled to showcase her performance skills effectively. Despite her practice, she never seemed to master that particr piece.


    But to everyone’s surprise, Elyse had put on a shocking performance. She yed the violin with remarkable fluidity, capturing the essence of the piece brilliantly. It perfectly showed the essence of the struggle between good and evil.


    Seeing this, Darren realized Elyse had likely mastered the piece as well and remarked, “It seems Elyse has improved.”


    Vicky clenched her teeth, inwardly cursing how swiftly Elyse had improved, leaving no room for anyone to catch up. However, she soon saw the upside. If she continued to refine her own skill, she could consistently challenge Elyse. Having a formidable rival throughout her life seemed appealing.


    Darren expected Vicky to retort, but instead, she just rolled her eyes at him and walked away.


    He touched his nose and asked, “What’s wrong with her? Why didn’t she argue back? Does she feel intimidated and unwilling to engage?”


    Meanwhile, on stage, afterpleting her performance to resounding apuse, Elyse bowed graciously to the audience before exiting the stage, clearly pleased with her performance.


    Once she was near, Darren taunted, “Looks like you’re set to take first ce again.”


    Elyse winked at him and replied, “That will depend on the judges’ fairness.”


    Darrenughed heartily and made his way to the stage. He hadn’t practiced the piece extensively, yet he felt confident about securing his ce.


    As Elyse left the stage, she began searching for Fiona. Not finding her, she tapped her head, pondering if Fiona might have gone to the restroom.


    Unexpectedly, even after several contestants had performed, Fiona had not returned.


    Elyse couldn’t contain her anxiety and started searching everywhere for Fiona, but she was nowhere to be found. Darren was also on the lookout for Fiona, but he couldn’t find her either.


    As the ninth contestant concluded his performance, Elyse’s worry escted to the point of tears. She eximed in distress, “Where is Fiona? It’s her turn topete. Without her participation, how will she be ranked?”


    Observing Elyse’s growing anxiety, Darren remarked, “Have you considered that maybe she chose not topete and left quietly?”


    “That’s impossible! She wouldn’t just leave,” Elyse immediately responded, dismissing the idea.


    With a solemn expression, Darren countered, “Did you not realize Fiona wasn’t listed in the qualifiers before the extra round?”


    This revtion left Elyse speechless. She hadn’t noticed that detail.


    Darren sighed deeply and guided her back toward the backstage just as the ninth contestant was stepping off the stage.


    At that moment, a staff member announced, “Miss Fiona Evans, pleasee to the stage for your performance!”


    Despite repeated calls, there was no response. The staff member turned to the audience and asked, “Does anyone know where Fiona is?”


    “I’ve searched everywhere but haven’t found her,” Elyse replied quietly.


    The staff member checked his watch and stated firmly, “If she does not appear shortly, she will be deemed to have forfeited her performance.”


    Elyse felt powerless to alter the situation and watched helplessly as the staff member went to consult with the judges.


    Gavin was seated behind the judges. He was taken aback by the announcement.


    Elyse decided to avoid Gavin’s gaze and stayed backstage, not wanting to confront him unless he inquired about the situation.


    Thepetition proceeded to conclude without Fiona. After deliberation, the judges confirmed the results for the nine participants.


    Announcements were made: “First ce, Elyse Lloyd; second ce, Vicky Aston. At third ce, Mariana Dury. At seventh ce, Darren Reynolds. And finally, Cassidy Lipson takes the eighth ce.”


    As Elyse reappeared on stage, her victory felt bittersweet. Although she secured the championship, Fiona’s unexpected withdrawal dampened her spirits.


    Vicky was standing beside her with a forced smile. She remarked, “It seems like you are my only truepetitor here. Even Darren doesn’t measure up.”


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