?<strong>Chapter 1020:</strong>


    Left alone in the stairwell, Fiona let out a sigh of relief, feeling as though a burden had been lifted. Yet, she also felt a profound emptiness swell within her. She lingered in a daze until her phone rang abruptly.


    It was Kaelyn calling. Fiona pressed the answer button, exasperated. “Why did you take so long to pick up? Didn’t you say Elyse was confined? Why was she still freely performing on stage today?”


    “What? Elyse was performing?” Kaelyn sounded genuinely surprised and questioned, “Are you certain it was Elyse and not someone else?”


    “I’m not blind. It was definitely her. She’s up there, acting all superior,” Fiona responded irritably.


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    Kaelyn’s tone became cautious. “I’ll check with Mabel. For now, hold off on any moves. Just do as I say.”


    “Fine.” Fiona ended the call, feeling thoroughly relieved. She realized the mishap was on Mabel’s end, not hers. She exited the stairwell, now ready to head back to the hotel.


    Meanwhile, Kaelyn wasted no time contacting Mabel to inquire about the mix-up.


    Kaelyn dialed Mabel’s number repeatedly, but there was no immediate answer. After several attempts, Mabel finally picked up.


    “What’s going on?” Kaelyn snapped as soon as the call connected. “Didn’t you assure me that you had Elyse under control? How could you let her slip away?”


    Mabel’s silence only fueled Kaelyn’s fury. “Have you developed a soft spot for Elyse?” Kaelyn asked disdainfully. “Do you want her to realize her dreams before she dies?”


    Mabel was silent for a while before she replied, “Elyse hurt me. I’m stuck at home and can’t move.”


    Kaelyn’s frustration boiled over. “You were injured? Why didn’t you inform me? The ck market dealers are expecting to pick up Elyse tonight. Since you let her escape, how am I supposed to handle this?”


    “I’m prepared to pay for my mistake with my life,” Mabel’s voice was resigned.


    “And what use would that be? Elyse is still out there,” Kaelyn retorted sharply.


    Mabel fell silent again. After a moment, Kaelyn’s tone softened as she regained herposure. “How severe are your injuries? Should I send someone to take you to the hospital?”


    “No, I can manage. It’s not too bad. But I’ve botched the mission,” Mabel admitted.


    Kaelyn sighed. “It’s okay. You’ve done well until now. Are you able to move? I still need you tonight to draw Elyse out as bait.”


    “I can manage that,” Mabel responded.


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