?<strong>Chapter 721:</strong>


    “After all the performances, the judges will randomly select participants to perform new pieces, testing their true abilities,” Edward revealed with a glint in his eye.


    Elyse’s eyes narrowed in thought. “What will these randomly chosen contestants get in return?”


    “Nothing,” Edward replied calmly. “They’re simply given another chance to prove their skills.”


    “Then what’s the point?” Elyse pursed her lips, contemting this twist. “I hope I don’t get chosen, since I wouldn’t get any extra points.”


    Edward paused, his brow furrowing in contemtion. “Maybe it’s not just about the points,” he began, a spark of excitement in his eyes. “If you nail that extra round, it could significantly boost the judges’ impression of you. It’s your chance to shine, to make every judge remember you and acknowledge your strength.”


    Elyse pondered his words with a thoughtful expression. “Well, I guess that makes sense,” she replied, a hint of optimism creeping into her voice. “Being chosen could actually be a great opportunity.”


    Edward stroked his chin thoughtfully. He wasn’t entirely sure if this tidbit of intel was urate; it was just a rumor he had picked up. But seeing the fierce determination in Elyse’s eyes, he hoped it woulde to fruition.


    If his information turned out to be false, he dreaded the thought of Elyse’s wrath descending upon him.


    Since they still had some time to kill, Elyse decided to retire to the lounge.


    Elyse was asleep in the lounge until a loud scream startled her awake, prompting her to go outside. When she stepped out, she saw Fiona holding a broken violin, her voice filled with rage. “Who the hell did this? Show yourself, you coward!”


    Other participants were also drawn to the scene by the noise. Fiona’s eyes scanned the group until theynded on Elyse. She stormed towards her with a menacing gaze and barked, “You destroyed my violin, didn’t you?!”


    Elyse shook her head and replied, “I swear, it wasn’t me. I haven’t even been in your lounge.”


    “Who else could it be then? You hate me the most. Who but you would invade my space and break my violin?”


    Fiona’s fury at Elyse burned hot. If not for Elyse, she wouldn’t have been separated from Jayden or cast aside by Cody. She firmly believed that her love and career had been wrecked by Elyse’s schemes!


    Elyse sneered at Fiona’s usations. “I’m not like you and I’m not a backstabber. You’re using me without proof. Can you stoop any lower?”


    “How can you prove it wasn’t you?” Fiona shot back.


    Elyse met Fiona’s re firmly and retorted, “The one who uses has to provide evidence.”


    As their argument hit a deadlock, another contestant came out of a different lounge with a broken violin in hand. “Who the heck broke my violin? I’ll find them wherever they may be!” The contestant was livid.


    Elyse raised an eyebrow and asked sarcastically, “Is my name on that one too?”


    Fiona’s face turned pale, her mouth opening and closing without sound. In a short while, it was discovered that the violins of up to eight contestants had been damaged.


    No one had expected that among the participants was someone malicious enough to sabotage others. A wave of anger spread through the crowd, with everyone determined to catch the culprit.


    However, the immediate concern was to keep thepetition on track. Therefore, contestants looked around, trying to borrow violins from acquaintances.


    At that moment, a sobering thought hit Fiona. She had no backup violin. Topete, she would need to ask for help. Inevitably, her eyesnded on Elyse.


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