?<strong>Chapter 1017:</strong>


    Elyse, unfazed, went back to slowly removing her makeup. Geraldine, who had witnessed the scene unfold, couldn’t help but voice her concern. “Fiona’s acting weird. Do you think she might try to attack you or something?”


    Elyse shook her head with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about it. I have a pretty good idea why she’s after me—it’s nothing serious.”


    She knew exactly what had driven Fiona to seek her out. Seeing her up on that stage, confidently performing in front of a packed hall, was probably more than Fiona and her little circle could bear.


    And that was exactly why Elyse had made sure to look stunning,manding the stage with grace and poise—forcing them to confront their jealousy and insecurities.


    After packing up, Elyse didn’t bother bringing her purse, casually slipping her hands into her pockets as she headed to meet Fiona.


    Fiona stood at the dressing room door, watching Elyse intently, as though afraid she might flee. Sensing Fiona’s tension, Elyse calmly asked, “There are too many people here. Why don’t we talk somewhere else?”


    Fiona nodded, her expression grim. “Fine, let’s go to the stairwell.” With a brisk pace, Fiona led the way. Seeing this, Elyse knew Fiona was frustrated, desperate for an exnation.


    Once in the stairwell, Fiona wasted no time. “Why are you here?” she demanded sharply.


    Feigning ignorance, Elyse responded, “What kind of question is that? If I’m not here, where else would I be? It’s the day of my performance today, after all.” Elyse paused, offering a small smile. “If you think I shouldn’t be at the concert hall, then where do you think I should be?”


    Fiona’s words caught in her throat. She couldn’t say it—couldn’t admit that Elyse was meant to be in Kaelyn’s hands, waiting for a buyer to im her. That secret, she could never voice.


    Growing irritable, Fiona snapped, “Wherever. You just shouldn’t be here.”


    Elyse pressed further. “You say I shouldn’t be here. Do you know something? Was I supposed to have an ident?”


    Fiona’s face reddened, her silence betraying her guilt. The moment she realized Elyse was unharmed, she’d frantically called Kaelyn. But Kaelyn hadn’t answered—not once, despite her ten attempts.


    Fury burned inside Fiona. How was Elyse still here, alive and untouched? Rage consumed her, bloodshot eyes ring at Elyse like she wanted to strangle her. Watching her closely, Elyse thought Fiona now resembled a demon from the darkest depths of hell, far from the person she once knew.


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