Chapter 219: Novel Drama
Darren’s upbeat demeanor was evident as he remarked, “Exactly, Elyse, seize the opportunity when it arises.”
Perplexed, Elyse inquired, “What opportunity?”
Surprised by her lack of awareness, Darren explained, “Don’t you know? If the concertmaster falters during practice and fails the subsequent assessment, a substitute will step in.”
Grace chimed in, offering further clarification. “Moreover, the runner-up in the concertmaster selection serves as a backup.”
Elyse’s realization dawned. “So if Vicky doesn’t perform well and fails the assessment, I could step in as the concertmaster.”
Grace and Darren affirmed her understanding.
Hearing the tour regulations, Elyse was eager to try her luck. Observing her excitement, Darren grinned. “No wonder Vicky is feeling the heat. You’re a force to be reckoned with.”
Raising her violin, Elyse retorted with a smile, “I’m just here to play the violin.”
Half an hour later, Vicky returned with the conductor. Reluctantly, Vicky joined the rehearsal. Amidst the crowd, Bart’s mocking remark caught Elyse’s ear: “I thought she wouldn’t come back.”
Choosing not to engage, Elyse mused that if she were in Vicky’s shoes, she wouldn’t pass up this opportunity. As Abram’s protégé, Vicky was permitted to display frustration during rehearsal; however, abandoning the tour would displease Abram.
Despite her unruliness, Vicky wasn’t foolish. Upon entering the rehearsal room, Vicky positioned herself as the concertmaster, locking eyes with Elyse. Though tension simmered between them, the conductor intervened, urging them to focus on practice.
Feeling the tension, the conductor stepped in with a reprimand. Subsequently, both Elyse and Vicky composed themselves and proceeded to practice calmly. As the session progressed, Vicky remained error-free, delivering her best performance and concluding the practice successfully.
Afterward, Elyse packed up and headed home. Upon stepping outside, she noticed the driver waiting by the car, wearing an embarrassed expression.
Curious, Elyse approached him. “What’s going on?” she asked in a hushed tone.
The driver delivered the message with a hint of awkwardness. “Mr. Owen said that his mother wants to have dinner together today. He instructed you to head directly to the Black Swan Restaurant.”
Elyse inquired, “Should I go now? And where’s Jayden?”
The driver replied honestly, “He went out in the afternoon and seemed to have some business to attend to. He might be running late.”
A tinge of disappointment flickered across Elyse’s face as she settled into the car. Then something struck her. “Why did his mother invite us to dinner today?”
The driver explained, “Today is Bryce Owen’s birthday.”
Surprised, Elyse realized it was Bryce’s birthday, but she hadn’t prepared any gifts.
“Let’s head to the shopping mall first. I can’t arrive empty-handed.”
Unlocking her phone, Elyse searched for a suitable gift.
The driver interjected, “Mr. Owen made it clear. You don’t need to bring any birthday gifts. He’s taken care of everything.”
“Did he buy gifts for Bryce?” Taken aback, Elyse set aside her phone, deciding not to push the matter.
Despite the tension between Bryce and Jayden, Jayden understood his brother better than anyone else. It would be more appropriate for Jayden to prepare the gift for Bryce.
Upon reaching the restaurant, Elyse entered and was escorted to the private room by the receptionist. Inside, Tess and Bryce were already present, engaged in conversation, seemingly oblivious to Elyse’s arrival.
Nevertheless, Elyse greeted them courteously. They continued to ignore her, even when she addressed Bryce directly.
Elyse touched her nose, realizing that Tess harbored no affection for her. Consequently, she decided there was no point in feigning warmth toward Tess. She sat down, requested a cup of coffee from the waiter, and quietly began eating some fruit.
A few minutes later, Tess observed Elyse’s silence and rolled her eyes in displeasure. “You uncultured woman! I can’t believe you just walked in and sat down to eat, completely ignoring us. I really don’t understand why Jayden likes you.”
Elyse was speechless at Tess’s harsh words. She had made an effort to greet them, but they had shown no interest in reciprocating.
“Mom, honestly, it’s deeply embarrassing for me to think of Elyse as my sister-in-law. I’m even ashamed to be seen in public with her, fearing someone might recognize me as her brother-in-law,” Bryce declared, his voice dripping with disdain.
Elyse couldn’t suppress a laugh at Bryce’s exaggerated disdain.
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