?<strong>Chapter 686:</strong>


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    Twenty minutester, Elyse waited backstage, ready to perform. As the host introduced her, Elyse gracefully made her way to the center of the stage.


    The members of the Benson family below disyed a range of emotions upon seeing Elyse.


    Brian and Pearce looked pleased and eagerly anticipated her performance. Thea’s expression was one of barely concealed hostility, her teeth clenched in frustration. How could Elyse steal the spotlight at such an event? Felicia’s expression, meanwhile, was stormy, as if her anger could erupt at any moment.


    On stage, Elyse’s eyes swept over the audience and found the Benson family. Spotting Felicia, she felt a surge of satisfaction. This was her chance to y a piece for Felicia.


    As the stage lights shifted, Elyse struck a poised pose. A soft spotlight illuminated her, making her shine and capturing the audience’s full attention.


    Elyse waited for the right moment and noticed Felicia, leaning on a cane, decisively leaving the audience. Thea followed closely behind.


    Elyse felt a pang of disappointment. Did Felicia really not want to hear her violin performance that much?


    Despite being disheartened, Elyse quicklyposed herself to focus on the task at hand. She prepared to y “Tr?umerei,” a piece strongly requested by Grayson. He believed it perfectly reflected the sentiments of the TV station. Although Elyse felt the piece was a bit too mncholic for a charity g, she had promised to perform it.


    Following that performance, Elyse transitioned to “Hungarian Dance,” a lively and cheerful melody that instantly captivated the audience.


    In the audience, Gavin watched Elyse’s performance with a chuckle. “She sure knows how to show off her talent.”


    After Elyse yed her final note on the violin, the audience erupted into a warm round of apuse. However, despite the cheers, Elyse felt a twinge of disappointment gnawing at her. She bowed gracefully, masking her feelings behind a practiced smile, and made her way off the stage.


    Grayson, grinning from ear to ear, approached her with enthusiastic ps. “As expected from Mr. Tucker’s star disciple! Elyse, your performance was absolutely mesmerizing, even for me—and I don’t even understand ssical music!”


    Elyse’s gaze flitted over to Grayson, her thoughts returning to Richie’s recent words. She returned his smile, though hers was tinged with something sharper. “Mr. Ewing, you’re too kind. Don’t forget to send over my performance fee, okay?”


    Grayson’s smile faltered, reced by a pitiful expression. “Er, Elyse, our TV station has been strugglingtely. The previous director left such a mess, and we’re really tight on funds…”


    He theatrically wiped his eyes with his chubby hand, but Elyse remained unmoved.


    “If you don’t pay me, it will be a great disrespect to my teacher,” Elyse pointed out, her eyes shing with determination. “I’d have no choice but to inform him.”


    Panic shed across Grayson’s face, and he quickly shifted his demeanor, rubbing his hands together nervously. “Please, don’t be hasty. It wouldn’t be good for our friendship. I’ll make sure you get your payment soon.”


    Satisfied with his response, Elyse nodded and then turned toward the lounge.


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