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    Early in the morning the next day, Elliot paced around anxiously in the Golden Exhibit Center''s break room, in such an agitated state that he lost his temper nearly eight times in less than two hours.


    Clyde, holding his swollen face from Elliot''s beating, glowered at Elliot. This was a familiar pattern-whenever Elliot was upset, he would take it out on Clyde.


    Clyde had been wanting to resign since ages ago, but thinking of his sick sister, he swallowed his resentment, vowing to make Elliot pay one day. Elliot sshed a cup of coffee on Clyde, his voiceced with malice as he demanded, "Where is my brother? Why isn''t he here yet? Did you tell him that if he doesn''t show up, I''ll sever ties with him?”


    Ever since Derek''s phone call, sleep had eluded Elliot. Whenever he drifted into slumber, Yvette''s nk, emotionless face would materialize in his dreams,


    He thought resentfully. Why has Yvette returned to Mysonna after so many years? I ve destroyed every piece of evidence when I stole the song. So what if she came back to expose me? What can she prove? No one will believe her.


    Im a world-ss pianist, while Yvette''s a nobody. What else can she do if I deny?


    The most critical piece of evidence is the recording in Derek''s hand. All these years, despite countless threats and pleas, he refuses to hand it over. All I can do is tell myself to not be scared, but Yvette''s shadow loomsrge.


    Clyde stole a nce at Elliot, murmuring. "I have conveyed your message, sir. However, Mr. Ross did not offer any response."


    Seeing Elliot''s face contort in anger, Clyde masked his satisfaction with a face full of fear.


    "Sir, I think Mr. Ross will definitelye. You''re his brother; of course, he''ll support you," Clyde added. Elliot''s grim expression improved after he heard that.


    I must make Derek hand over that recording today. Without that recording, there will be no way to prove that I''d giarized Yvette''s song'' Elliot thought to himself.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Composing himself after throwing tantrums in the break room, Elliot stood at the entrance of the Golden Exhibit Center. waiting to greet his most important guest-Paolo, the president of the International Music Association


    Momentster, a fleet of ck business cars pulled up. Paolo, the renowned president of the International Music Association and also a popr figure in the music industry, was the first to emerge.


    While his appearance was unremarkable, his authority within the music industry was absolute. He became the president at the age of thirty and had maintained his influential role for the past twenty-five years.


    To aspiring musicians, Paolo was both an idol and a living legend His approval was a golden ticket to sess, and anyone fortunate enough to catch his eye was virtually guaranteed to rise to the top of the music industry. Over twenty years, he had chosen only three individuals to be his apprentices


    Ten years ago, Paolo took on histest mentee, the prodigy Aria who had skyrocketed to fame four years ago and was personally acknowledged by Paolo as the most enigmatic performer in the music industry.


    Aria always wore a mask in public. Only a few had seen their face. They had held two recitals and released all their work through the International Music Association.


    Unlike musicians like Elliot, who struggled to produce anything noteworthy after one hit, Ariaposed ten exceptional pieces in just three years. Seven of these works were included in music textbooks, cementing their reputation as a true musical genius.


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    Upon seeing Paolo, Ellin-rushed forward, extending his hand respectfully. "Mr. Fontana! It has been two years since ourst encounter. How have you been?"


    Elliot carried himself with grace and politeness, but Paolo, his expression stern, gave only a curt nod, his responsecking any warmth. Let''s go," he said tly.


    He then strode inside, followed by members of the music association.


    At the entrance, Elliot clenched his jaw in frustration, thinking. Paolo is still as arrogant as ever, giving me a cold shoulder. Once I join the International Music Association, I will make sure he regrets treating me like this.


    Elliot shed a fake smile at the crowd that came to watch the recital before catching up with Paolo and the others.


    Right after Elliot left the entrance, a ck Jeep arrived with Yvette, Jeremiah, Sienna, and Frankie, who insisted oning


    Yvene, d entirely in ck, exuded an intimidating presence, her sharp features emanating a wild, rebellious energy.


    As the four stepped out of the car, they immediatelymanded the attention of the guests. The group, with their strikingly charming Clusian looks, effortlessly captivated the gaze of many intrigued foreigners.


    In Paolo''s break room within the exhibit center, Elliot received a message that caused his face to fall. He was no longer in the mood to please Paolo. Coming up with an excuse to leave Paolo''s break room, he rushed to his break room and shut the door after making sure the coast was clear. His eyes, filled with a malicious gleam, scanned the blurry photo that had been sent to him. Even though the photo was of poor quality, he could still recognize Yvette.


    Her aloof, arrogant, and presumptuous demeanor was etched sa deeply in Elliot''s mind that he could never forget her.


    Fortunately, he had been cautious. He had approached the security guards earlier, instructing them to closely monitor all guests attending the recital, with special attention to anyone who even remotely resembled Yvette. If they found anyone who did, he asked them to send him photographs immediately. To his surprise, his instincts proved right-Yvette was indeed at the concert, and he was certain she was here to cause trouble. Elliot''s expression was sinister as he instantly sent Derek a message. Receiving the message, Derek, who had just reached the entrance, rushed to Elliot''s break room in no time.


    Hearing knocks at the door, Elliot pulled out the gun he had prepared in advance and loaded it. As soon as the door creaked


    open,


    he raised the gun and pointed it directly at his own heart.


    Derek was greeted with that scene the moment he opened the door. Brows furrowed in confusion, he closed the door behind him and said in a deep voice, “Elliot, if you really wanted to do that, do you have to wait until I''m here?"


    He effortlessly saw through Elliot''s act, but Elliot, having already known his brother wouldn''t fall for his scheme, hada- backup n up his sleeve.


    His gaze gleaming with arrogance, Elliot spoke to Derek in utter despair. I know you''ve been hating the all this while, but I didn''t mean for things to happen the way they did. I was so desperate for sess and recognition from Grandpa, but as long as Yvette was around, she always overshadowed me. Grandpa only had eyes for her.


    Derek kept hisposure, though a subtle twitch of his brow betrayed a flicker of emotion.


    Earnestly, he spoke. “Elliot, even if you''re jealous of Yvette, you shouldn''t have done something like that. Despaired Soul'' is Yyette''s piece. All the honors you''ve received over the years belong to her. If you apologize publicly now, I promise I''ll talk to Yvette on your behalf."