?<strong>Chapter 685:</strong>


    Having splurged on a grand new gown, Elyse poured her anticipation into meticulous preparations for the charity event the next day.


    However, upon arriving at the opulent venue, she was confronted with Grayson’s borate setup—a dazzling array of media outlets and celebrities filled the space. Elyse made her way backstage, seeking the sanctuary of the dressing room, but unexpectedly ran into a familiar face.


    “Richie! What are you doing here?” Elyse eximed, her voice filled with surprise as she quickly approached him, clutching her violin case tightly.


    Richie, equally surprised to see Elyse, replied, “Are you performing at this charity event? It’s such a lucky coincidence—I am too!”


    A wave of tion swept over Elyse as she dered, “Fantastic! It’s so reassuring to know I’m not the only one here supporting this great cause!”


    Richie gave a light shake of his head. “I’m actually here on business. The TV station is paying me well to attend. What about you? How much are you being paid to perform?”


    Elyse’s smile faltered, her expression shifting to uncertainty. “Grayson paid you? How much did he give you?”


    Richie scratched his head, looking puzzled. “I’m not sure. My performance fees are quite high, and most people can’t afford them. You’d need to ask my agent for the exact amount.”


    Elyse’s smile vanished, reced by a cool indifference. She waved her hand dismissively. “I have nothing more to discuss with you.”


    Richie blinked and then said, “Come on now. No one really believes that people who perform at such high-profile events are doing it purely for charity, do they?”


    Elyse felt a sting from his words. Angrily, she punched Richie’s arm and said through gritted teeth, “I admit I’m inexperienced. This won’t happen again.”


    Richie chuckled heartily, then asked, “Did your husbande to Cambape too? Didn’t he try to stop you when he saw how naive you are?”


    Mention of Jayden caused a pang in Elyse’s heart. She avoided eye contact and stammered, “He-he doesn’t know I agreed to perform here.”


    Richie’s eyes widened with understanding. “Ah, I see. If he knew, he definitely wouldn’t let you be so easily fooled. Your man’s got brains sharper than a ninja sword! I mean, did he learn all his tricks from a cunning fox or what?”


    Elyse couldn’t help butugh at his description. “Your characterization is amusing, but let’s keep it between us. Jayden wouldn’t appreciate hearing it.”


    Richieughed and said, “As long as you don’t tell, Jayden won’t find out. It’s between us.”


    A hint of sadness flickered in Elyse’s eyes. She wondered if she would ever get the chance to see Jayden again.


    After chatting for a while, they both headed to their lounges to prepare for their performances.


    In the lounge, Elyse sat before the mirror, putting on her makeup. A staff member with a name tag entered and whispered something to her. After hearing the message, Elyse asked the staff member to leave.


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