Chapter 215
Seeing Ethan's expression darken, I realized my words had been too harsh. "Ethan, what I mean is don't worry about me anymore. Focus on pursuing your dreams. Don't let years of hard work go to waste."
That was the most tactful way I could put it.
Ethan's eyes grew even darker as he looked at me and said quietly, "Alright, I understand."
I'd said all I needed to say. I turned and left.
I could feel a gaze boring into my back the entire time.
Only when I stepped into the elevator was that line of sight cut off.
Not knowing before was one thing, but now that I knew he had feelings for me that went beyond friendship, I couldn't be as open with him as before.
Because I knew my heart could only lean in one direction.
After meeting with Leopold, I told him everything Ethan had told me and gave him the report. "Ethan said if we can convince Dr. Moore to participate in the experiments, it would significantly reduce the time needed."
Leopold flipped through the materials, his brow gradually furrowing. "Convincing Dr. Moore isn't the issue, but this report needs to be reconfirmed."
I had no objection. "That's fine."
Just as hospital visits required tests done at the hospital itself, reports naturally needed reconfirmation, too.
Leopold glanced at me sideways. "You really have no objections?"
"Why would I object?" I countered.
Leopold chuckled softly. "I thought you'd oppose this suggestion, saying I don't trust you."
Now it was my turn to frown. "I'm not as good at making mountains out of molehills as you are."
Before, no matter what Ethan and I did, as long as we met, he'd make snide remarks about us being inappropriate.
I wasn't like him—I couldn't paint everything with the same broad brush.
Leopold was stumped by my words and simply changed the subject. "Have you experienced any memory loss recently, or symptoms of doing something and then forgetting it?"
"No. Since I started taking Dr. Moore's medication, I haven't experienced those symptoms again."
Leopold nodded. "That's good. Let's go see Dr. Moore while we're here."
Arriving at Christian's research center, I underwent another physical examination.
The results were better than last time. The nerve damage had barely worsened at all.
"Dr. Moore, this is the drug component analysis done by Arnold's team that we just received."
Leopold handed Arnold's report to Christian and had me relay my conversation with Ethan.
Christian listened while reviewing the document.
After finishing, he said seriously, "If this report is accurate, we can indeed significantly reduce the time needed to develop an antidote. However, what we need to confirm now is whether this report is genuine."
His meticulousness mirrored Leopold's exactly.
I added, "How long will it take you to confirm this, Dr. Moore? Ethan is waiting for my response."
Christian replied, "Two days."
"Alright. If there's any news, please contact me."
With progress on the antidote, I felt relieved.
Checking my email, I discovered the semifinals were scheduled for the day after tomorrow.
I immediately felt a sense of urgency.
The next day, I was at Crescent Ballet Company stretching and practicing my routine.
For this semifinal, I'd chosen a simplified solo piece adapted from a classic dance number.
Fortunately, my foundation was solid. Dancing it now wasn't too strenuous.
By the end of the day, I could perform it smoothly.
Suddenly, applause came from the doorway.
I turned to look—it was Amelia.
"When did you get here?" I asked, wiping my sweat as I walked toward her.
"Halfway through your routine." Amelia smiled, also walking toward me.
We sat down nearby. Amelia couldn't help praising me. "Cindy, besides Leopold, you're the person I admire most."
Being praised by someone close made me a bit embarrassed. "Actually, I admire you too. Managing Crescent Ballet Company so well all by yourself is really impressive."
Unlike my previous company—not only was it a toxic environment, but there was also constant internal backstabbing.
Amelia couldn't help sighing. "I'm not as good as you say. Crescent Ballet Company has been lacking a principal dancer for so long. I finally thought I'd found one in Irma, but she... never mind."
Hearing her mention Irma reminded me of that night's events. I didn't know what had happened since. "What's Irma's situation now?"
"After Leopold personally pressed charges, what good outcome could she have?" Amelia's expression darkened further as she discussed this. "She's still in the detention center, but since she dared drug Leopold, it's only a matter of time before she's sent to prison."
This outcome surprised me somewhat.
I'd thought that without serious consequences, imprisonment wouldn't be necessary.
I hadn't expected Leopold to actually pursue legal action against Irma. "Are you upset with Leopold about it?"
"Of course not." Amelia quickly denied it. "I'm angry at myself for poor judgment. Thank goodness Leopold is fine—otherwise I'd feel guilty for the rest of my life."
"You don't need to blame yourself. Leopold knew from the start that Irma had ulterior motives."
Amelia paused. "True. The first time Leopold met Irma, he had her thrown out. But did Leopold say anything about Irma's background?"
"Not really. He said Irma's background checked out—it was just her character that was problematic."
Amelia looked puzzled. "Then whose side is Irma on?"
I froze. "I didn't ask."
That night with Leopold had been too charged—it made me forget to follow up about Irma.
"No worries. Next time you see Leopold—" Amelia said, then seemed to remember something and quickly added, "Oh, right, I came to tell you that several familiar faces made it to the semifinals."
"Besides Irma, who's already in detention, there's Sophia, the principal from your old company, plus Olivia from Elysian Ballet Company, and Doris from Celestique Ballet Company."
I frowned slightly. This competition was indeed more competitive than the last international ballet competition.
Sophia and Olivia were within my expectations, but why would Doris come to Silverlight City for Valeria's international competition?
Celestique Ballet Company had already reached world-class status, and she was their principal. Logically, she shouldn't need to participate in this competition.
Amelia continued her analysis. "However, I think your strongest competitor is Doris."
"She's a year ahead of you. Though she didn't win first place in the international ballet competition, her abilities are formidable. She's participated in many international competitions and achieved excellent results in all of them."
I smiled. "Thanks for gathering intelligence on Doris for me. She's definitely the most likely to be my real competition."
After discussing the competition, I asked about Amelia's parents.
Amelia's expression visibly darkened. "I can't control their situation, and I don't want to anymore."
My heart sank slightly.
It seemed the outcome wasn't ideal—Harper probably didn't want a divorce.
"Don't be discouraged. Your mother may have her own considerations. Keep doing what you want to do. Work to make Crescent Ballet Company number one in Silverlight City. That way, even if she doesn't divorce, David won't dare make things difficult for you."
"You're right! Why didn't I think of that?" Amelia instantly perked up, then looked at me with burning intensity. "For Crescent Ballet Company to become number one, I'll need your help. How about you become my company's principal dancer?"
I fell silent.
Had I just shot myself in the foot?