Bound Hearts: My Vows to My Disabled Spouse

Chapter 191 The Gauntlet Has Been Thrown

The room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the sound of everyone's breathing. No one dared to breathe heavily. They were puzzled by Vicky's actions-why she had slapped Elyse and why Elyse had found the courage to slap back.

Vicky rubbed her reddened, swollen cheek. The reason for her singular focus on Elyse was unknown to the others. They didn't realize that she saw Elyse as her biggest threat. Earlier that afternoon, Vicky had been discussing her future career plans and upcoming international competitions with Abram in the office. Yet abruptly, Abram had shifted the conversation to Elyse.

"In fact, during the concertmaster selection, I had a feeling that Cody was considering taking

Elyse as his apprentice," he had said. "He watched her play the violin very intently. Fortunately, he ended up not choosing anyone. I was relieved. Cody didn't choose you or Elyse. So you didn't lose."

Vicky's internal reaction to Abram's words remained a mystery to everyone but her.

She harbored an inexplicable resentment that she couldn't let go of "Do you think Elyse is better

than me, Mr. Ellsworth?" she had asked Abram directly, desperate for an answer.

Abram looked at her with a complex expression, hinting at thoughts she couldn't decipher. "No

one is perfect. She possesses some talents you don't have. You must heed Cody's advice, or else

Elyse might surpass you."

urgency in Vicky, fueling her

Elyse might usurp her leading position. Thus, when Rebekah suggested that Elyse was scheming

then, fear crept into her heart. She worried that Elyse might not only surpass

thoughts of defeating her. However, Elyse retaliated with

came here just to slap me, to knock me down permanently, to instill fear, didn't you?" Her voice chilled further as

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you think I can't see through your intentions?

threaten your position. You lost your composure

smile. "I once thought you

so long, your arrogance grew unchecked. But

bare, her cheeks burning with humiliation and pain

hardened, her

keep her fear

would never allow anyone to see her vulnerability-it was a

fight this out to the bitter end?" she hissed with a malicious smile. "Let's see

she turned and stormed out, ignoring the

smirk, though it quickly faded under the scrutiny

disdainfully, "Vicky has left. Aren't you