?<strong>Chapter 1452:</strong>


    “Maybe,” Nick confessed. “I just don’t have the heart to y the violin anymore.”


    Elyse now saw the full extent of his turmoil. The bitter pill of leaving thest Swan Cup had left deep psychological scars.


    Originally, his anger had been a crutch. But when he realized it was Fiona, not Elyse, who had sabotaged his chances, even that crutch crumbled. How was he to climb out of this pit of despair?


    Nick concluded, “Look, don’t sweat it. It’s really nothing major. About those usations I hurled at you earlier, I’m truly sorry. I’ve cleared the air online. I hope life treats you kindly and your future shines bright.”


    With a heavy heart, Nick departed, his head hung low, his figure a portrait of disappointment and defeat.


    Elyse wanted to say more, to ease his pain, but Nick was beyond reach.


    With a resigned sigh, she sealed her lips and returned to her seat.


    As she settled down, a deep sigh escaped her.


    Chloe leaned in, her curiosity piqued. “What was that all about with Nick? He looks absolutely crushed.”


    After Elyse shared the details, Chloe’s eyes softened with empathy. “Nick’s just lost right now, isn’t he? No drive to pull himself together.”


    Elyse nodded in agreement, her brow furrowed with concern. “Exactly. He seems to havepletely lost his passion for the violin.”


    “What a mess that Fiona’s caused. Couldn’tpete fairly, so she wrecked other people’s chances. Makes you wonder if the others she messed with are as out of sorts as Nick,” Chloe mused with a heavy sigh.


    Shaking her head, Elyse added, “It’s tough to say, but I heard onepetitor evennded in the hospital because of her tricks.”


    Chloe gasped, visibly appalled. “That’s just vile. How could someone be so heartless?”


    Intrigued by the unfolding drama, Victor leaned forward. “Are there always such juicy stories in your music circles? Tell me more—I’m all ears about your world.”


    Sparked by Victor’s interest, Elyse began to open up, her words flowing freely as Victor hung on every word.


    Chloe was initially caught up in the tale too, until she noticed something odd about Victor’s gaze. Why did his look feel so strange?


    Elyse had been indulging in gossip so tirelessly that her throat felt like a desert. She grabbed a ss of water and drank deeply, the cool liquid bringing relief to her parched throat.


    Victor, his eyes twinkling with amusement, inquired, “So, any more intriguing tales? The drama within your circle is absolutely captivating!”


    With a dismissive wave of her hand, Elyse sighed. “No, that’s it for me. I’mpletely spent. And starving—my stomach’s practically screaming.”


    Chloe, her brow furrowed with concern, suggested, “Why don’t you take a little break? Your lips are all cracked. Let’s grab something to eat, and I can apply some lip balm for you afterward.”


    Elyse nodded, acknowledging the suggestion, and picked up her fork with a sense of relief.


    Victor lingered beside Elyse for a bit longer but was eventually drawn away by an acquaintance, leaving the two women alone to enjoy their meal.


    Chloe delicately bit into a slice of cake and, after a brief pause, ventured, “What exactly is your rtionship with Victor? He seems exceptionally attentive toward you.”


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