?<strong>Chapter 847:</strong>


    “Dy thepetition! It must be postponed, or we risk catastrophe!”


    Meanwhile, in the car, Elyse observed David’sposed demeanor and, with a puzzled expression, questioned him, “What did you do? I’ve just been told thepetition has now been dyed.”


    David offered Elyse a mysterious smile and a wink, teasing, “Curious, aren’t you? I might just keep you guessing.”


    Elyse, visibly confused, stared at him, baffled by how someone without a phone signal could have influenced thepetition’s schedule. David, amused by her puzzled look, added yfully, “Your confusion makes me want to hold onto the secret even longer.”


    Meanwhile, Fiona wasfortably applying her makeup in the lounge assigned for Elyse’s use. Despite not qualifying for the Grand Final based on skill, Fiona had found a different way to be involved in thepetition. She smirked at her reflection, pleased with how effortlessly she had secured a position meant for Elyse. While applying her lipstick, she mused aloud, “Elyse, I can’t wait to see the desperation on your face when you miss thepetition.” Fiona admired her reflection as she applied her lipstick meticulously, then nced at her phone to check the time.


    To her astonishment, the scheduled time for thepetition had already psed. Puzzled, she thought, “That’s odd. Thepetition should have started by now. What’s the dy?” Determined and fully prepared, she rose from her seat, intent on discovering what had happened. She sought out Darren, the only contestant with whom she felt she couldmunicate effectively.


    Upon reaching his door, she knocked, but received no response. Persisting, she called his name, but the silence continued. Growing impatient, she finally pushed the door open, only to find the room empty. “Was I forgotten?” Fiona wondered aloud, a mix of confusion and concern in her voice. “Could thepetition have started without anyone informing me?”


    She rushed to thepetition’s backstage area in a panic. Upon arriving, she found only a few staff members chatting and no sign of the contestants, which brought her a momentary sense of relief.


    Gavin confronted her with a stern look, his arms crossed. “Fiona, why are you here? You’re not part of thispetition. You shouldn’t be backstage.”


    Turning to face him, Fiona quickly adopted a charming smile and inquired, “I’m waiting for Elyse. Have you seen her? Why hasn’t she arrived yet?”


    Gavin, visibly irritated, already knew from Irving that Elyse was en route to the venue and that thepetition had been dyed temporarily. There was a chance Elyse might show up before thepetition started. Eyeing Fiona with suspicion, he asked, “Why such interest in Elyse? Given your history, it’s odd—almost as if you’re hiding something.”


    Fiona’s smile faltered as she silently rebuked Gavin. She detested how he always seemed to cast her in a negative light.


    Frustrated, she responded coolly, “You are awfully wrong. And why can’t you just leave me alone? Always prying into things that don’t concern you.”


    Taken aback by her blunt words, Gavin retorted with a smirk, “Oh, so now I’m nosy? If you think I’m meddling now, just wait—I’m just getting started.”


    He then turned to the nearby staff andmanded, “She’s not a contestant. Please escort her out from backstage.”


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