Chapter 22
Leo quickly seized my hand. He swept me up in his arms, carrying me toward the bedroom while whispering persuasively, "Come on, focus on me."
His kisses fell like raindrops. Soon my senses blurred, surrendering to his touch.
A night of passion.
When I woke again, it was already eight o'clock. Last night's memories flooded back, making me too embarrassed to stay in bed. While Leo was still sound asleep, I made my escape.
As I drove to the dance company, last night's intimate moments kept replaying in my mind.
I was angry at myself for being so weak. I had agreed to end things, to be strangers, so how had I given in so easily? This couldn't continue—we needed space. I'd stay at a hotel if necessary.
The most important thing was cooling things down between us!
I had just arrived at the dance company when the director called everyone to the conference room. He was about to announce the preliminary selection results for the International Ballet Competition.
Soon, everyone gathered. I casually chose a seat and was about to sit down when someone pulled the chair away. "This seat is taken."
I didn't think much of it and walked to another side. But before I could sit down, someone else stopped me. "This one's taken too. Find somewhere else."
Once might be coincidence, twice was deliberate. I glanced over at Lillian, who smirked back at me.
"Lucinda, the director is about to announce the preliminary selection list for the International Ballet Competition. I don't think you even registered, right? Why don't you go practice instead of wasting time here?"
Those sitting beside her quickly chimed in. "Exactly. You didn't even register, yet you're still hanging around. Have some shame."
"Maybe she deliberately didn't register. After all, she didn't get the principal position through actual skill. If she competed, she might expose herself."
The three of them laughed, thinking they could force me to leave.
I gave them a cool glance. "Who told you I didn't register?"
Their smiles instantly froze.
"Someone thought deleting my registration record would disqualify me. They're going to be disappointed, because I successfully registered after all." I sat down in the farthest seat, speaking unhurriedly.
The other two instinctively looked at Lillian.
Lillian's face stiffened. "Lucinda, what are you implying?"
"Nothing in particular. Just reminding certain people to spend less time scheming and more time improving their skills."
Lillian wasn't one to hold back. Provoked, she stood up and pointed at me. "Lucinda, you're such a hypocrite. Anyone here can say that—except you!"
"Everyone knows you only got the principal position through connections! You should keep a low profile, but instead you're making self-righteous statements. How shameless!"
I let out a soft, cold laugh. "We're not even in the same league, so save your breath. My abilities aren't for you to judge—especially when you've lost to me."
"You—" Lillian was furious and made a move to come at me.
Others held her back. "Stop it! The director's coming."
Just then, Director Samuel walked in with the list. "Lillian, this is a dance company, not a fish market. If you don't want to be here, file the paperwork yourself. I won't try to keep you."
Samuel usually convinced people with reason, rarely putting someone on the spot so bluntly. Clearly, Lillian's stunt with the fake video had crossed his line.
Lillian hadn't expected the director to speak to her that way. Her face turned pale. The other two didn't dare say anything and quickly pulled her to sit down.
The conference room finally quieted. I pressed my lips together, waiting for Samuel's announcement.
"Since everyone's staring at my list, I'll get straight to the point and read the names of those who made it." Samuel unfolded the list and began reading.
"Mila Cox. Ava Cook. Nina Cook." ... "Lillian Reed."
When I heard Lillian's name, I glanced at her. Our eyes met, and she raised her eyebrows smugly, clearly assuming I hadn't made the cut. I ignored her.
Samuel continued. "Zella Diaz." "Jody Ward."
Lillian's two friends let out excited cries. "That's me!" "And me too! I made it!"
Several more names were called, but mine wasn't among them. As Samuel's eyes moved to the bottom of the list, I couldn't help feeling tense.
"And finally..." Samuel looked up directly at me. "Lucinda Wipere."
My suspended heart finally settled, and I smiled with relief. The conference room erupted. Those who had made it applauded in celebration. Those who hadn't looked dejected.
"Lucinda, congratulations. I'm glad you didn't miss this opportunity," Samuel said with a smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Flores."
"Mr. Flores." A dancer whose name hadn't been called suddenly spoke up. "Lillian and the others said Lucinda didn't successfully register. Why is her name on the preliminary selection list?"
As soon as she finished, others who hadn't been selected joined in.
"Yes, if she didn't register, how did she make the preliminary selection?"
"Did we not make it because she pulled strings again and took spots that should have been ours?"
"Mr. Flores, I request to see the registration summary. Let's see if Lucinda's name is actually on it!"
My registration record had been deliberately deleted. Naturally, my name wouldn't be on the registration summary. Samuel certainly wouldn't agree to show it.
"Are you all trying to start a rebellion?" he snapped. "The International Ballet Competition is the most fair and just competition there is. What you're saying questions the integrity of the organizers. If word gets out, our entire dance company could be disqualified! Can you handle those consequences?"
Hearing how serious the repercussions could be, some backed down. But others refused to give up.
"Mr. Flores, we just want to see your registration summary, and we promise not to say a word to anyone, regardless of what we find."
"That's right, it's just a quick look. It's not like it would become public knowledge!"
"Mr. Flores, your refusal suggests there might be something fishy about Lucinda making the preliminary selection."
Samuel's face turned red with anger. Seeing the situation escalate, I finally spoke up.
"Everyone, please calm down. If you want answers, there's no need to make this complicated. I can tell you that my name is indeed not on the registration summary."
The conference room erupted again.
"What! She really didn't register!"
"This is corruption! I'm going to report this!"
Samuel saw the situation spiraling out of control and shot me an angry look before trying to calm everyone down. But it had little effect.
Without a word, I turned on the projector and displayed my registration video. The moment the elegant music began, the conference room fell silent.
"Is that Lucinda?"
"Her movements are so beautiful and crisp."
"Those are all advanced techniques. How does she do it?"
When the video finished, I closed it and opened my email page. "My registration record was deliberately deleted. To seize this opportunity, I had to try every possible approach, which is how I secured a spot in the preliminary selection. If anyone objects, you can challenge me right here. If anyone can beat me, I'll give them my spot."
"You all heard that, right? Go challenge her, and the spot could be yours!" Lillian immediately started stirring up trouble.