?<strong>Chapter 711:</strong>


    Elyse instinctively averted her gaze and shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. “No, of course not.”


    Irving remained silent, but his eyes spoke volumes. Elyse was a terrible liar; she didn’t even realize that the guilt written all over her face gave her away every time.


    With a gentle pat on her head, Irving said gently, “Alright, alright. Go back and get some rest. Let’s talk once you’ve slept it off.”


    Dismissed, Elyse trudged back to her room in a fog, copsing onto her bed, her mind spinning.


    Was it all just a dream?


    As she pondered, sleep slowly reimed her.


    By noon, a knock on the door awoke Elyse from her slumber. She groggily got up to open it and found Gavin standing there. Stifling a yawn, she mumbled, “Gavin, what’s up?”


    “Get dressed. We’re going to have breakfast, and I’ll introduce you to your opponent,” Gavin announced with a mischievous smile.


    Elyse blinked in surprise. “Opponent?”


    “That’s right!” Gavin replied, his eyes twinkling with excitement. “He specifically asked to meet you after hearing about your impressive experience.”


    ncing at his watch, he quickly added, “You have one hour to get ready. Better hurry!”


    Feeling the pressure, Elyse dashed into the bathroom to freshen up.


    The next hour flew by in a blur. Bundled up warmly in her favorite coat, Elyse followed Gavin to the meeting.


    The venue was a cozy restaurant with a live band ying soulful melodies. Elyse found herself captivated by the performance, her eyes glued to the musicians.


    “Elyse, meet my friend, Edward McCoy,” Gavin introduced warmly.


    Elyse, who had been so engrossed in the band’s performance, came to her senses and looked up at the neer curiously.


    Edward was wearing a pristine white down jacket, and his curly hair peeked out from under a stylish hat. When he smiled at her, it was with the endearing innocence of a puppy.


    However, what really caught Elyse’s attention were Edward’s dimples. She was just itching to poke them. This, coupled with his thick and cozy jacket, made him look quite friendly and approachable.


    Edward’s eyes turned into half-moons as he smiled, extending his hand to shake Elyse’s. “Hello, it’s an honor to meet you. You look just like the beautiful princess Gavin described.”


    Elyse’s cheeks flushed a rosy pink at thepliment. She scratched her head bashfully. “I’m not as great as you think. I’m just an ordinary girl.”


    Edward shed a charming smile. “You’re too modest.”


    Then, as he scanned through the menu, he asked politely, “How about a ss of wine to warm up? Quite chilly today after all.”


    Elyse, unable to resist his offer, nodded. “Sure, I’ll have some.”


    With a satisfied nod, Edward motioned for Elyse and Gavin to sit down.


    Once they were settled, he leaned forward, a glint of eagerness in his eyes. “So, for the free performance piece in the preliminary round, which piece do you choose?”


    Elyse, who was just about to take a sip of water, choked instantly.


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