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."

in Vicky, fueling her fear and disdain for

Thus, when Rebekah suggested that Elyse was scheming

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

today, Vicky was determined to strike first, hoping to deter Elyse from any thoughts of defeating her. However, Elyse retaliated with two slaps of her own. "Do you know what you

to slap me, to knock me down permanently, to instill fear, didn't you?" Her

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I can't see through your intentions? It's quite clear, Vicky.

position. You lost your composure and attacked

a brief pause, she flashed a challenging smile. "I

You've been unopposed for so long,

cheeks burning with humiliation and pain

throbbing cheek, Elyse's resolve hardened, her determined gaze unsettling

her fear at bay, maintaining an

her vulnerability-it

out to the bitter end?" she hissed with a malicious

that, she turned and stormed out, ignoring

it quickly

has left. Aren't