?<strong>Chapter 683:</strong>


    Grayson’s confusion was evident. He didn’t recognize Elyse; to him, she was just a well-dressed young woman. “You?” he asked, bewildered. “I don’t think I know you. Who are you?”


    Calmly, Elyse took out her phone, Googled her name, and showed him the information. Grayson stared at the screen, then looked up in surprise. “Champion of the Champions Cup? And thest disciple of Mr. Tucker? Are you really willing to attend the charity event?”


    Elyse nodded, then said, “I’ll agree to attend, but only if you can prove to me that your intentions are genuinely charitable. Otherwise, I won’t participate.”


    Grayson’s eyes brightened with hope. He quickly pulled out his phone and began showing her various documents and donation records. The evidence quickly dispelled Elyse’s doubts.


    With Elyse confirmed for the event, Grayson was visibly moved, his eyes welling with tears. “Even though Mr. Tucker can’t make it, having his disciple attend means a lot to us.”


    “I have a small favor to ask. Can you help me out?” Elyse leaned in and whispered a request into Grayson’s ear.


    A flicker of confusion crossed his face, but he nodded earnestly. “I’ll do my best to amodate your request.”


    Once Grayson had left, Gavin asked her, “What made you decide to participate in the charity event?”


    Elyse responded candidly, “He seemed genuinely distressed, and I feltpelled to help.”


    Gavin smiled at her empathy. “Do you think he reallycks resources and connections? His initial target was Mr. Tucker.”


    Elyse shrugged nonchntly. “I understand what he’s thinking, but it’s fine. This opportunity will be good for me. It’s myst performance before thepetition abroad.”


    Gavin’s curiosity was evident. “What did you whisper to him then? What’s he going to help you with?”


    Elyse shed a knowing smile. “That’s a secret. You’ll just have to wait and see.”


    Cody emerged from his room and sauntered toward Elyse and Gavin, who were deep in a hushed conversation. He interjected with a hint of amusement in his voice, “Instead of diligently practicing your instruments, what mischievous plot are you two concocting?”


    Gavin responded quickly, “Elyse has kindly agreed to perform at Grayson Ewing’s charity event!”


    Feeling Cody’s intense stare, Elyse dropped her gaze, her voice filled with regret. “Grayson was so disheartened, I couldn’t refuse. If anyone is to me, let it be me.”


    “me you?” Cody’s tone softened as he asked. “It’s great that you want to perform, but isn’t the event tomorrow? Have you picked out an evening gown yet?”


    Elyse paused, then turned to Gavin, her voice uncertain, “I don’t have a gown for it.”


    Gavin looked from Elyse to Cody, his expression resigned. “I’ll go shopping with you after lunch.”


    Elyse let out a relievedugh and bounced off to the yard to rehearse her performance.


    —


    An hourter, Gavin drove Elyse to the mall. While browsing through the dresses, they encountered Thea, who was apanied by an unfamiliar teenage boy.


    Elyse caught Thea’s eye, her mind racing back to Pearce’s plea fromst night. A wave of difort overwhelmed her, and she quickly looked away, feigning ignorance of Thea’s presence. Elyse did not fully grasp the extent of Thea’s resentment toward her.


    Determined to avoid any conflict, Elyse hoped to keep away from Thea’s provocations. However, Thea seemed intent on causing trouble.


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