?<strong>Chapter 854:</strong>


    After a moment’s gloom, Cody managed a weak nod. “I suppose you’re right. I can’t change her mind. Just let it be.”


    Gavin nodded in approval. “That’s the spirit. Let’s head back to the audience. We might still catch Elyse’s performance.”


    Cody murmured an agreement, his shoulders slumped as they made their way back. Meanwhile, Elyse was backstage, her eyes fixed nervously on the performers.


    Geraldine approached quietly. “Where have you been? You vanished for a while!”


    Caught off guard, Elyse quickly fabricated an excuse. “I was practicing alone.”


    Geraldine’s frown deepened. “Practicing today? You’re really pushing yourself too hard.”


    Elyse gave a small smile. “I’m just trying to do my best.”


    Though Geraldine pouted, slightly upset, she decided not to press further. She then gestured towards Edward and asked, “What’s with him? Why does he look so worried?”


    Following Geraldine’s gaze, Elyse noticed Edward sping his hands together, his demeanor one of deep prayer. Geraldine remarked with a hint of concern, “I’ve never seen him look so serious before. It’s actually making me a bit anxious.”


    Elyse responded thoughtfully, “Well, it’s thestpetition. Everyone’s eager to win. It’d be odd if he weren’t serious.”


    Geraldine agreed wholeheartedly, “Absolutely! With thestpetition on the line, Edward is bound to give his best.”


    Elyse clutched her chest and gave a wry smile. “Please, don’t remind me. My heart’s pounding like it’s going to burst. It wasn’t this intense even when I was on stage earlier.”


    Hearing this, Geraldine raised an eyebrow and teased, “I hope you get so nervous that you mess up your performance. It’d be nice to have one less toughpetitor.”


    Elyse chuckled heartily and said, “That won’t happen. I’m going to nail my performance and snag first ce.”


    “In your dreams!” Geraldine shot back with a yful stare. Knowing she needed to step away to manage her own jitters, she thought it best to find a quiet corner to regain herposure.


    Once the others had dispersed from her vicinity, Elyseid a hand on her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. That was when Darren approached her.


    Whispering close to her ear, he mentioned, “I bumped into Jayden this morning. He was by himself and seemed really isted, but he actually responded nicely when I said hello. Can you believe it?”


    Elyse looked confused. “He’s always polite. What’s so shocking about that?”


    Darren said helplessly, “But his politeness is usually reserved just for you. It’s so obvious; anyone could tell he favors you immensely.”


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