?<strong>Chapter 708:</strong>


    When the piece ended, the man stood up and extended his hand to Elyse, introducing himself, “I’m David Lawson. It was wonderful to perform with you.”


    Elyse returned the smile. “I’m Elyse Lloyd. Hopefully, we can work together again soon.”


    David and Elyse exchanged pleased smiles.


    Suddenly, that unnerving sensation of malice targeted Elyse once more.


    Startled, Elyse quickly let go of David’s hand and turned to find out who was so perverse as to keep watching her.


    Seeing her distressed, David asked with a puzzled look, “Everything alright?”


    Elyse, failing to spot anyone suspicious, turned back somewhat embarrassed. “Sorry, just ignore that.”


    She walked back to where Irving was with her violin in tow.


    Irving, seeing her return, teased, “How does it feel to provide a free concert?”


    Elyse, glowing with joy, replied passionately, “It’s truly a privilege to y the violin. Music empowers people. I feel so energized now, like I’ve conquered the oceans.”


    Irving chuckled and handed her a fork. “Miss Pirate, let’s eat first. Afterward, we can head to a park to practice.”


    “Okay, I got it.” Elyse, feeling ravenous, immediately started eating.


    Once they finished eating, they bundled up against the chill and ventured out to find a suitable practice spot.


    Nearby, there was a small park where the orange streetlights cast a gentle glow on the snowy ground.


    Elyse moved with difficulty, unsure if the deep snow or her heavy violin case was slowing her down.


    Irving reached a bench first, cleared off the light dusting of snow, and dried it with a handkerchief.


    He turned around and noticed Elyse was having trouble keeping pace.


    Irving observed her briefly, then asked with a hint of concern, “Are you feeling alright? You seem a bit off.”


    Elyse paused, then denied it with a shake of her head. “No, it’s just that the snow is really thick and tough to walk through.”


    Irving still seemed unsure. He stooped down to gauge her state more closely. Seeing that her face wasn’t red, he felt more at ease. “Alright. Would you like to take a break, or are you ready to start practicing?”


    Elyse set her violin case on the bench, retrieved her violin, and said firmly, “I’m ready to practice.”


    “Alright, begin whenever you’re ready.” Irving settled onto the bench, hands tucked in his pockets, and watched Elyse intently.


    Elyse began to y her violin, choosing pieces at random as nothing specific came to mind.


    During her fifth piece, a tall figure approached from behind.


    The man was wrapped up, his facepletely obscured.


    Elyse and Irving, feeling secure and undisturbed, ignored the approaching man.


    Thus, they were taken by surprise when the man swiftly reached into Elyse’s pocket, stealing her wallet, and Irving only realized what happened when it was toote.


    “That damned thief! He can’t get away!” Irving got up from the bench and took off after the thief.


    Elyse, stunned by the sudden theft, felt her mind go nk.


    .


    .


    .