?<strong>Chapter 786:</strong>


    Edward pursed his lips, a hint of grievance in his voice as he protested, “I’m just trying to help, and here you are shooting down my idea. What’s your brilliant strategy for getting your ex-husband off your back?”


    Elyse found herself at a loss for words, unable to muster a retort even after a long silence.


    Noticing her struggle, Edward let out a gentle chuckle and pressed on, “See, you’re out of ns too. Why not consider mine? It could just make him back off.”


    Elyse thought back to her conversation with Jayden that morning, his serious tone echoing in her memory. He was earnest in every word. If she were involved with any man, he would certainly take drastic actions.


    After a moment of reflection, she firmly rejected the idea, out of concern for Edward. “No, I can’t agree to that. This issue is between Jayden and me. I don’t want to pull anyone else into this mess.”


    Edward ced his water ss on the table and leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “But what if I want to be a part of your world?”


    Elyse stared at him, bewildered and taken aback. “What do you mean by that?”


    His eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint, Edward confessed, “I think I’m starting to fall for you.”


    Elyse instinctively recoiled, dodging his intense gaze as she stammered, “Are… are you serious?”


    Edward straightened up, his smile unwavering but his eyes resolute. “I don’t joke about matters of the heart. Love is the purest joy there is. I do have a soft spot for you. I mean it.”


    Caught off guard, Elyse grabbed her violin case and coat and hurried out of the restaurant.


    Edward watched her flee with a mix of amusement and a trace of sorrow, remarking to himself, “In love, the coward surely misses out. I choose to be brave.”


    For the subsequent days, Elyse chose to remain within the confines of the hotel, seeking refuge in the garden where she diligently practiced her violin.


    Irving extended several invitations for meals, but she declined them all, persisting in her solitude until the day of the Comeback Competition arrived. That day, Elyse mustered her courage and prepared herself to attend the event.


    As they sat in the audience, Irving, who was seated next to Elyse, noticed her face obscured by a scarf and inquired with a mix of concern and curiosity, “You’ve been quite elusive these past few days. Are you avoiding someone?”


    “It’s just my preference to dress this way; don’t fret over it. Let’s enjoy the performances,” Elyse responded, her tone resolute.


    Irving chose not to pursue the matter further and redirected his focus toward the stage.


    Thepetition was structured into three groups, with the final rounds crucial in deciding the victor of the Comeback Competition.


    Among thepetitors, Elyse recognized Geraldine and Fiona. She leaned toward Irving and asked earnestly, “Irving, what are Fiona’s chances in thispetition?”


    Irving answered with a calm demeanor, “It’s hard to say. She sought me out for some intensive practice recently. Though she’s improved, the few days of practice aren’t enough to bridge the gap with contestants who have been preparing for much longer. She certainly won’t take first ce. And in a contest like this, anything less than first is inconsequential.”


    Elyse nodded, agreeing with Irving’s assessment.


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