?<strong>Chapter 808:</strong>


    With a weary sigh, Elyse saw through his act. “Edward, if you’re so afraid of rejection, why bother asking? You know I’m focusing on my career right now,” she said firmly.


    “But your refusal upsets me,” Edward responded with a pout, attempting to lean closer.


    Elyse stepped back, her expression tightening. “You’re trying to take advantage of me now!” she eximed.


    Edward’s pretended sorrow deepened. “I haven’t even begun,” he murmured.


    Elyse, annoyed, gently pushed him away with a finger to his forehead. “Aren’t you nervous about the ranks? It’s driving me crazy!” she eximed, her voiceced with exasperation.


    Edward folded his arms and sighed deeply. He couldn’t fathom why Elyse was so worked up. He was confident in her ability to reach the Grand Final.


    As Fiona’s performance ended, all the contestants went up on the stage. Their hearts pounded with anticipation as they awaited the judges’ verdict.


    Despite her calm demeanor, Elyse couldn’t hide the sweat on her palms.


    Beside her, Fiona was the first to notice her nervousness. With a light chuckle, she teased, “Even you get nervous? Afraid you won’t make it to the next round?”


    Elyse’s eyes widened. “Isn’t it natural to feel anxious? Or are you saying you’re not because you’re so sure you’ll make it?” she asked.


    A flicker of doubt crossed Fiona’s face before she regained herposure. “Of course I’m nervous. I’m no prodigy,” she admitted.


    Realizing Elyse was still watching her closely, Fionaughed awkwardly and turned away, avoiding further interaction.


    Elyse, puzzled by Fiona’s reaction, couldn’t shake off the suspicions that Gavin and others had raised earlier.


    Ten minutester, the rankings were revealed. Fiona ced tenth, and it didn’t raise any eyebrows. The other contestants exchanged knowing nces, their silent understanding saying more than words ever could.


    Fiona kept a smile on her face, though beneath it, she was silently grinding her teeth in frustration.


    Tenth ce, yet again! She also clinched tenth ce in the nationalpetition. Was she fated to rank at the bottom?


    Fiona’s gaze drifted over to Elyse, and seeing Elyse’s indifferent expression made her insides churn. She blurted out, “You must beughing at me deep down, right? I’m deadst again, just perfect for making you look even better.”


    Elyse looked at Fiona with a puzzled expression. “Your rank doesn’t concern me. Honestly, I’m more focused on my own standings.”


    Fiona let out a disdainful snort, her eyes full of contempt. “You’re the type who always ys the perfect, pitiful woman to milk sympathy from everyone. You’re selfish, you know that?”


    Elyse felt a spark of anger re up at Fiona’s words. “Fiona, when will you start using your brain? I didn’t even say a word, and you’re already convinced I’m mocking you in my head. Are you paranoid or something?”


    With that, Elyse shot Fiona a look of disgust and moved to switch ces with Geraldine on the other side.


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