Chapter 178 Daniel's Jealousy
Jade is now one of the most renowned dancers in the country, having won eight major dance awards both domestically and internationally.
She hadn't been optimistic about Scarlett at first. After all, for a dancer, to leave the stage for four years is a terrifying thing.
If Theron hadn't personally recommended Scarlett, Jade wouldn't have made this trip at all.
So when Scarlett stood on stage and began to move, stretching her body into dance, Jade was still quite indifferent.
Although Scarlett's movements were indeed graceful and fluid, and her physique and form were one in ten thousand, Jade had seen too many excellent dancers. These things alone weren't enough to impress her at first glance.
However, gradually, Jade's gaze became more and more focused.
She unconsciously stepped forward, her eyes following the figure on stage, lighting up with excitement.
Sarah watched Jade, Bruce, and Theron staring intently at Scarlett on stage, and knew that Scarlett was definitely going to be fine.
When Scarlett danced, she radiated brilliance—a beauty that could strike directly at one's soul.
Sarah picked up her phone, stepped back two paces to find an angle, and took a photo.
Just as she was about to put her phone away, Alton's call came through.
Sarah hung up, but it rang again .
Sarah stuffed Scarlett's coat that she was holding into Bruce's hands, she gestured that she was going out to take the call.
Just as Sarah left, Scarlett finished her last dance movement, freezing on stage in a butterfly pose, calming her breathing and emotions.
Bruce's eyes were bright as he shoved the coat in his hands into Theron's arms.
He opened his thermos and grabbed a towel, then ran up on stage like an excited fanboy.
"Scarlett, you were amazing! That was so good. That part just now was so moving—I was watching with my heart racing, and it's still beating so fast. Don't believe me? Feel it!"
Bruce smiled brilliantly, without a trace of his usual idol coolness. As he spoke, he reached for Scarlett's hand to press it against his chest.
Handsome and enthusiastic as Bruce was, even his slightly forward behavior wasn't annoying.
Scarlett looked at him with amusement. "You're being too dramatic."
She pulled her hand back and took the water bottle.
Below the stage, Theron withdrew his gaze and looked at Jade.
"So, what do you think?"
Hearing this, Scarlett quickly stopped what she was doing. Standing on stage, her hands unconsciously tightened around the water bottle as she looked nervously at Jade.
Scarlett was like a student waiting for her teacher's evaluation.
Her nervousness was understandable—after all, she had been away from the stage for four years.
Although during those four years she had never truly given up, even during that year working as a clerk at the Star Group, she persisted in practicing dance for four to five hours every day.
She had passed Vivienne's audition before, but she had prepared for it for a long time.
This time, Scarlett hadn’t prepared long enough. In front of Jade, one of the country's top dancers, Scarlett felt somewhat lacking in confidence.
Seeing this, Bruce also stood properly and looked over.
With three pairs of eyes on her, Jade felt herself growing nervous.
She suddenly nodded and smiled, turning to Theron.
“Anyone Mr. Howard recommends always has his reasons. I shouldn’t have doubted him.”
"Scarlett! Congratulations! I knew my idol would be the best!"
Bruce immediately raised his hand toward Scarlett with excitement. Infected by his enthusiasm, Scarlett also smiled and high-fived him.
"Thank you, Ms. Marie." She bowed to Jade.
Jade looked at her with appreciation. "You're a natural-born dancer. After watching the dance video only twice, you were able to reproduce this dance one hundred percent, without any music at all, every step and movement was precisely on rhythm. That alone is so impressive.
But what's most rare about you is that your dance has its own style and soul. It's not complete imitation. Your physical expressiveness and emotional impact are both very strong, which is exactly what I want. So..."
Jade's expression became slightly serious.
"The dance drama will be performed next month. I never thought about using an actual pregnant woman for the pregnant character, but your dancing makes it impossible for me to refuse. However, are you sure your body can handle it?"
This was Jade's only concern now.
Scarlett nodded. "The famous dancer Jennifer was still performing brilliantly on stage at eight months pregnant.
My baby is very well-behaved. I can feel that the baby supports me too. Don't worry, Ms. Marie, I can do it."
Jade's face lit up. She stepped forward and extended her hand toward Scarlett.
"Then, Scarlett, welcome to the Black Swan Dance Company."
Scarlett's eyes curved with joy. She shook hands with Jade, her clear eyes sparkling like stars.
Scarlett then looked at Theron and thanked him earnestly.
"Mr. Howard, thank you."
Scarlett's long hair was slightly disheveled, but her features were radiant. Having just finished dancing, her face bore two touches of color, her whole being full of vibrant life force.
Just like the pregnant woman in her dance, seeking survival through hardship.
She looked completely different from the Scarlett that Theron had seen in front of the car that day.
Theron's deep eyes fixed on her, and he only gave a slight nod.
When Daniel pushed open the music hall door and burst in, this was the scene he saw.
Scarlett stood at the edge of the stage, while Theron stood tall below it.
One looking down, one looking up, the two gazing at each other.
Scarlett's smile was bright, and beside her stood Bruce, also staring at her eagerly.
The coldness around Daniel couldn't be suppressed as it radiated outward. He strode toward the stage with large steps.
"I don't agree!"
As Daniel's cold voice fell, he had already reached the front of the stage, his long arm reaching out. Before Scarlett could react, Daniel lifted her down from the stage and into his arms.
His familiar scent swept over her, along with his obviously suppressed displeasure.
The smile on Scarlett's face vanished completely. She pushed against Daniel's chest and frowned.
"Why are you here?"
Daniel looked down at her. His arrival brought her not a trace of surprise or happiness.
On the contrary, her whole body was filled with resistance and rejection.
Just moments ago, she had smiled so brightly at Theron, but now she was cold as ice toward him, Daniel.
Jealous fire gradually stained Daniel's eyes. His large hand on Scarlett's waist tightened slightly, pulling her closer.
"Scarlett, stop making a scene."
Daniel smiled at Scarlett as he spoke.
His words were indulgent and coaxing, but the emotion in his eyes and his forceful posture were domineering commands and suppression.
After speaking, Daniel looked at Theron and nodded slightly.
"I didn't know Mr. Howard had arrived in Shadow City. As a resident of Shadow City, another day, my wife and I should host a banquet and invite Mr. Howard to our home as a guest. There are matters at home today, so I'll take my wife back first."
Daniel gave Theron a cold nod, then forcibly pulled Scarlett around and started to leave.
Scarlett was furious. This was her business, her decision, the opportunity she had fought for herself.
What right did this damn bastard Daniel have to reject everything with one "I don't agree" and make decisions for her without permission!
She wanted to struggle, to object, but her strength against his was like an ant trying to shake a tree—she had no choice but to turn with him.
What was even more infuriating was that after turning around, he actually covered her mouth with his hand.
Scarlett was so anxious that sweat broke out on her forehead, her eyes burning and reddening. Just as she felt hopeless, a figure blocked Daniel's path.
"Mr. Daniel Wilson, regarding Mrs. Scarlett Wilson's affairs, isn't it inappropriate for you to make decisions on your own?"