?<strong>Chapter 751:</strong>


    Just as Vicky reached the restaurant door, she saw Elyse and the others smiling through the ss window. She felt a sudden warmth wash over her.


    Turning to Mariana, Vicky said, “Come on. Don’t be shy.”


    Mariana caught sight of Edward and recoiled. “Edward kind of intimidates me. I’m not really keen on going in there.”


    Vicky was resolute. “We’vee this far. Just pop in and say hi.”


    Finding no room to argue, Mariana reluctantly followed Vicky inside.


    Upon their entrance, Elyse rose to greet them. Spotting Mariana behind Vicky, she paused, a look of recognition shing across her face. “Aren’t you one of the top eight contestants?” she blurted out, clearly surprised.


    Mariana felt a surge of surprise that Elyse remembered her.


    Elyse approached, taking Mariana’s hand with eager warmth. “Have you and Vicky be friends?”


    With a shy nod, Mariana stepped back, partially concealing herself behind Vicky.


    Noticing the gesture, Elyse looked puzzled. “Are you scared of me?”


    Vicky shook her head and sighed. “It’s not you she’s afraid of. It’s Edward. She was eliminated today, and Edward’s performance really rattled her.”


    At that, all eyes shifted towards Edward.


    Caught off guard by the sudden attention, Edward scratched his head, looking ufortable. “I was just doing my usual thing out there. Nothing extraordinary.”


    Mariana agreed quietly, “It’s true, but Edward, your stage presence is really intense. Itpletely overshadowed mine.”


    Trying to lighten the mood, Edward replied, “Hey, let’s not make it sound so dramatic. I’m really just a cheerful, lively guy—not a monster or anything.”


    Elyse gazed at Edward, a pensive look on her face, before stepping in to defuse the tension. “It’s all right. If you’re holding a grudge, now’s the time to let it out. We’re not on stage anymore. Go ahead, let him have it.”


    Mariana blushed and hesitated, clearly too embarrassed to take such action.


    Elyse then guided Mariana to a chair.


    Over a round of drinks, Elyse, reminiscing about the former contenders, asked curiously, “How many of us from the top eight are still in the running?”


    Mariana sighed heavily, “Just the three of you are left. My friend Cassidy was up against another unexpected contender and got knocked out.”


    Elyse shared a knowing look with Darren and Vicky, acknowledging that only they remained.


    Edward, caught off guard, inquired, “An unexpected contender? You mean Geraldine?”


    Mariana nodded in response. “Yes, she’s incredibly strong. It was an overwhelming victory. Cassidy was in tears as soon as it was over.”


    “Geraldine…” Elyse echoed the name under her breath. If her memory served her right, Geraldine Lawson would be her opponent in the semifinals.


    Edward, catching on, gave Elyse a sympathetic nce. “I really hope you can get past Geraldine. If not, you won’t be facing me for the championship in the finals.”


    Elyse retorted with a hint of bitterness, “Save your concern for someone else. I’m winning this.”


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