?<strong>Chapter 858:</strong>


    Edward sneakily nced over at Elyse, who was standing quietly. He gently poked her and whispered, “Who do you think will win first ce?”


    Elyse wasn’t sure but hoped it would be her. So she responded candidly, “Me.”


    Edward chuckled and said, “You’re not very modest, are you?”


    Elyse snorted. “I’ve given it my all to outperform everyone. Being modest would just seem dishonest.”


    Edward blushed and responded softly, “I admire your honesty.”


    Elyse looked at Edward, speechless.


    Edward cleared his throat and gently reminded her, “Remember, you promised to consider our rtionship after thepetition.”


    Elyse instantly felt annoyed and sighed heavily.


    Seeing her reaction, Edward quickly asked, “What does that sigh mean? Is my affection really that bothersome to you?”


    Elyse hesitated, then shook her head. “Just be patient and wait for the results. I’m not in the mood to discuss this now.”


    Edward touched his lips thoughtfully, a dark look crossing his eyes, but he remained silent, standing tall and avoiding further conversation with Elyse.


    Finally, the judges made their decision and returned to their seats.


    The host nced at the results, looking surprised, then walked onto the stage and approached the microphone. “In this year’s Swan Cup Grand Final, three contestants have tied for third ce. They are Darren and Geraldine.”


    At this announcement, some in the audience expressed disappointment, appearing more upset than the contestants themselves.


    Elyse stood still for a moment, taking in the news, then realized the battle for first ce was now between her and Edward.


    Elyse instinctively nced at Edward and could see his nerves. He even swallowed hard. Elyse tightened her hands into fists, just as anxious, her heart racing as though it might leap from her chest.


    Darren whispered, “This is so tense. After thispetition, will you and Edward be rivals?”


    Elyse snapped back quietly, “It’s tense enough as it is. Don’t make it worse.”


    Darren quickly nodded and kept quiet.


    Edward said helplessly, “I used to joke that you’d be up against me for first ce. I never imagined it would actuallye to that.”


    Elyse quipped, “Looks like your prayers were answered. What more could you ask for?”


    Edward’s lips twitched.


    As the tension reached its peak, the host finally announced the second-ce winner. He looked at Elyse and Edward and curiously inquired, “Who do you think got first ce?”


    Then, handing the microphone to Elyse, she responded, “I think I did.”


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