Chapter 931:

But Jayden simply turned back to Elyse with a look of irritation. “Why didn’t you tell me playing the violin could be dangerous? You could have hurt your fingers all this time.”

Noting his accusatory tone, Elyse scoffed. “Please, it’s rare. I’ve never been injured by a broken string.”

“Just because it hasn’t happened to you doesn’t mean it never will,” Jayden replied, already wishing Elyse would give up the violin.

That made Elyse snap. “Even if I get hurt, I can handle it. I don’t need you to fuss over me. If you’re going to keep talking like this, you might as well never show up again!”

Jayden’s expression darkened. He only wanted her safe and healthy—what was so wrong with that? He wished to stay by her side forever, protecting her from harm, no matter how minor.

Meanwhile, Fiona watched, feeling increasingly neglected. She was the one injured, yet Jayden barely glanced at her. Why did he only care about Elyse?

Numb with humiliation, Fiona stood, head hung low.

Her action caught Jayden’s eye. Still stinging from Elyse’s reprimand, he barked at Fiona, “What are you doing just standing there? Are you giving up? If so, we’re leaving.”

Truth be told, he was eager to take Elyse away. Before anyone could protest, Jayden strode over and grabbed Elyse’s hand. She frowned in puzzlement as he pulled her away. Were they not competing?

“Stop!” Fiona shouted, eyes brimming with tears. “I never said you could leave!”

She ran over, leaving her violin case behind, and grasped Elyse’s other arm. “You can’t leave!” she screamed. “You have to stay and compete with me! I never gave you permission to go!”

Elyse shook her head helplessly. She knew Fiona was having an emotional outburst. “Do you really think you can compete in your current state?”

“Why not? Are you saying I’m no better than you? I’ll have you know I’m considered a promising talent as well!” Fiona’s voice was filled with despair as she panted, glaring at Jayden.

“I want you to see that I’m not inferior to Elyse. If anything, I’m much better! You made a huge mistake not choosing me. I’m going to show you today, and you’ll regret that decision for the rest of your life!”

Jayden looked Fiona up and down, his anger and impatience palpable. He wondered how he had ever gotten entangled with someone so delusional. One thing was for sure: if Fiona’s rants caused any misunderstandings with Elyse, he wasn’t going to let her off easily.