?<strong>Chapter 853:</strong>


    His words hung in the air, heavy and final, as if he were offering her onest chance to redeem herself, to find the person she had once been before it was toote.


    Fiona tilted her head, her chin raised proudly as she regarded Cody with a dismissive look. “You think I’m guilty? Then let the authorities judge me. You don’t get to decide based on mere assumptions.”


    Cody, his brow furrowed in frustration, attempted to reach her. “Don’t let bitterness cloud your judgment. You’ve lost sight of who you really are.”


    Fiona responded with a defiant sneer, “So what? I’m happy and fulfilled. I have everything I need.”


    Cody opened his mouth to speak, but Fiona cut him off. “Enough. You’re not my mentor anymore, so drop the act. In your eyes, the only worthy disciples are Gavin, Irving, and Elyse—not me.”


    She paused, her voice bitter. “I could never fit into your esteemed circle. My presence would only tarnish your reputation.”


    Cody’s face registered shock, his earlier attempts to interject halted by her words, leaving him mute.


    “What?” Fiona challenged, reading his silence. “You think I don’t belong. So save your breath. I stopped seeing you as my mentor long ago.” Her stance was unyielding, aplete rejection of Cody.


    Silence fell between them. Finally, Cody found his voice, though it carried a note of defeat. “To y the violin beautifully, your soul must be pure. If it’s clouded, the music will reflect that.”


    Fiona scoffed. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you suggesting my soul is tainted? Yours might be pristine, but mine certainly isn’t.”


    Just then, Gavin appeared backstage, his gaze piercing. “Are youshing out because you believe Mr. Tucker shouldn’t have ousted you from his studio?”


    Fiona nonchntly flicked her ear. “What are you implying? I’m not harboring any resentment towards him. I’m merely speaking the truth.”


    Gavinughed, his smile tinged with scorn. “Truth? You know exactly why you were expelled. It wasn’t your actions but your attitude. You haven’t changed at all.”


    Fiona’s smirk was self-satisfied. “You admit I did wrong, then? Let thew judge me. You’re not qualified.” With that, she turned sharply, her shoulder brushing Gavin’s as she stormed off without a backward nce.


    Feel the thrill at g aln  ov el s .


    Cody sighed deeply, his spirit dampened by his unsessful attempt to persuade Fiona. “Maybe I’m just getting old.”


    Gavin tried to offer somefort. “Mr. Tucker, don’t dwell on it. Fiona’s beyond listening to reason now. It’s not worth your energy.”


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