Chapter 566

Elyse eyed Fiona suspiciously, sensing something was amiss. Fiona, usually respectful of boundaries, had unexpectedly gone upstairs. Was it a simple mistake?

Approaching Elyse with feigned concern, Fiona asked, “Since your pregnancy, have you experienced any discomfort or mood changes?”

After a moment's thought, Elyse replied, “My morning sickness has subsided since last week. I've been able to eat without nausea, and overall, I'm feeling quite upbeat.”

Fiona's face fell. She'd hoped for a more negative update. Elyse's positive adjustment was unexpected.

Moments later, Elyse added casually, “Though, I do need to go to the hospital tomorrow for a routine checkup.”

Fiona's interest was immediately piqued. “Oh? You're going to the hospital? May I accompany you?”

“No need, Fiona. Jayden will be with me,” Elyse replied instinctively.

Undeterred, Fiona grasped Elyse's hand more firmly. “But I care about you too. Let me come with you.”

Taken aback by Fiona's sudden eagerness, Elyse hesitated. “It's really just a standard procedure. You live quite far away. There's no need for you to come.”

Seizing an opportunity, Fiona quickly suggested, “How about I stay tonight? We can go to the hospital together in the morning. It's no trouble at all.”

Elyse fell silent, unsure how to respond. Her silence fueled Fiona's growing unease; she wondered if Elyse suspected something.

Finally, Elyse murmured, “Well, if you insist, you're welcome to stay.”

Achieving her goal, Fiona was elated. “Should we tell your husband?”

“I'll call him later,” Elyse replied, carefully withdrawing her hand.

Fiona, growing impatient, pressed, “Why wait? Call him now. Find out when he'll be back. It's nearly lunchtime; he might join us.”

Elyse, regaining her composure, calmly answered, “No need, I already know his return time.”

Fiona felt a surge of anger. Was Elyse trying to assert her dominance as Jayden's wife?

So what if Elyse had met Jayden first? It didn't matter!

She had met Jayden independently; their meeting had been dramatic—seemingly destined.

Biting her lip, Fiona's determination to win Jayden intensified.

Just then, Gavin entered, followed by Freda.

Noticing Fiona, Gavin asked, “Did you complete the form? I need to leave soon.”

Freda eyed Fiona critically, recognizing her immediately. Arms crossed, she scornfully remarked, “She didn't even make the top eight. How is she qualified? The standards abroad are incredibly high. Are we really considering letting a loser represent us?”

Elyse gasped, shocked by Freda's audacity.

Fiona's expression darkened. Rising, she demanded, “Gavin, why is she here? Did you invite her?”

Gavin ignored Fiona's question, observing Freda's overbearing demeanor. He sighed, “Fiona, you're quite talented. You only lost because you let your emotions get the better of you.”

Fiona clenched her jaw. “You’re the reason I lost, you troublemaker!”

A mocking smile spread across Freda's face. “Have you lost your mind? I only rigged the outcome for Elyse. The other contestants' scores were legitimate. You came in tenth; you didn't even make the top eight. How can you blame me?” She rolled her eyes. “If you can’t own up to your own shortcomings, how skilled can you actually be?”

Fiona's anger boiled over. She swept the papers and pen from the table, sending the registration form flying.

She shouted, “Fine, I admit I’m not as good as the others. I’m out of this ridiculous competition!”

“Fiona! Do you realize what you're saying?” Even Gavin, usually composed, was annoyed by Fiona's stubbornness.

Elyse began gathering the scattered papers, carefully placing them back on the table. She pleaded, “Fiona, Gavin went out of his way to secure this spot for you. You can't just throw it away.”

“Shut up! You're just a junior. You have no right to talk!” Fiona snapped, showing no respect.

…