?<strong>Chapter 1407:</strong>


    As the showmenced, Nick disregarded the other guests and started a melodramatic rant about his perceived unfair treatment at the Swan Cup.


    Elyse maintained aposed demeanor, responding with a polite smile instead of engaging.


    Nick seized the moment to point at her, suggesting that she was to me for his early elimination from thepetition.


    “When you won first ce, did you ever consider that some of us who got sabotaged might have been threats to your title?” he used.


    All eyes turned to Elyse.


    Although she typically avoided such confrontations, Elyse recognized that dodging the issue could exacerbate it. So, she chose to confront the usation directly.


    “Regardless of thepetition, I was destined to be the Swan Cup champion,” she said calmly.


    “That’s quite arrogant,” Nick retorted with a sneer.


    “It’s not arrogance, Nick, it’s confidence. And I have the skills to back it up,” Elyse responded, meeting his gaze firmly. “If you think you can beat me, why not settle this with apetition on the show?” she suggested in a challenging tone.


    Nick clenched his jaw, remaining silent.


    Just then, the host intervened to defuse the tension. “While I appreciate the enthusiasm for a friendlypetition, it’s not on our agenda for tonight,” he said with a smile. “Let’s take a deep breath and move on to the next segment.”


    While the impromptu challenge was tabled, Nick’s poprity soared following the show’s broadcast. Meanwhile, the suspicions and criticisms surrounding Elyse intensified.


    In the car, Chloe sighed as she scrolled through her phone. “See? I told you. He just wanted to sling mud, defame you, and boost his image. ssic tactic,” she said, disgruntled.


    Elyse sat silently, her eyes closed.


    “Look,” Chloe pressed on, her voice tinged with irritation. “People are saying you didn’t deserve to win and that Nick should have been the winner.”


    Elyse shed a reassuring smile and said, “Don’t sweat it. This storm will pass sooner orter.”


    Chloe, her fingers drumming an impatient rhythm on her phone screen, finally snapped and shoved it into her bag. “I’m furious! Nick’s treating you like some rung on hisdder to fame!”


    Elyse chuckled, a sound as light as the tinkling of wind chimes. “Don’t let it get under your skin. Weren’t you the one who told me this industry is a dog-eat-dog world? Climbing over others is just part of the game.”


    “But your talent blows his out of the water! How can those clueless people turn a blind eye and im he’s better than you?” Chloe’s voice rose, brimming with indignation.


    Elyse gave Chloe’s back a gentle pat, like one might soothe a fretful child. “Easy there. Let them talk. If all goes well, I’ll face Nick directly on the show—and I’ll prove my worth through music, not words.”


    Chloe took a deep breath, visibly calmer, as Elyse exited the car and strode toward the TV station.


    Once fully prepped, Elyse stood backstage, her nerves steady as steel. Celeste, her arms crossed like a barricade, sauntered over and broke the silence. “How long do you think you can cling to that top spot of yours?”


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