Chapter 18 His Appearance
I thought I just saw Charles.
My head snapped back toward the crowd as I scanned the room. But I didn’t see him anywhere. It must’ve been my guilt messing with my head. Charles was in Amiston. There was no way he’d be here.
The music cut through my anxiety. Two decades of dance kicked in, and my body moved on autopilot.
I’d signed up with a clean, modern routine for Lucas, but the crowd was hungry for more. So I gave it to them, mixing in sharp, rhythmic hip movements.
The crowd erupted. With every cheer, I saw it: my father’s $2.5 million debt, my mother’s tears. I channeled it all, pushing my body to its limit, dancing with a raw desperation I hoped would translate into votes.
A few minutes later, the music faded, and my performance ended. The applause didn’t stop. I bowed to the audience and made my way backstage.
Once behind the curtains, I noticed the other contestants looking at me differently. Earlier, they thought I’d only gotten in because of Lucas. Their eyes were full of contempt, dislike, and a hint of jealousy.
Now, their expressions had shifted to surprise and even admiration. I guess they hadn’t expected me to actually know how to dance.
Before long, Lucas strode in, looking excited. “Anna, you were amazing,” he said. “I had no idea you could dance like that.”
I gave him a modest smile.
He leaned in closer, that playful grin spreading across his face. “Seriously, with your looks and talent, why even bother with this competition? If you wore that and danced for Charles, he wouldn’t just give you one million.”
I just stared at him, completely lost for words. Lucas could be so over–the–top sometimes.
After a ten–minute break backstage, the voting finally began. Photos of each contestant flashed up on the big screen alongside our numbers, and mine was 36.
As soon as the host announced the start, the numbers under each photo began flickering and climbing. Every person in the audience could only vote once, and the dancer with the most votes would win the Grand Dance Gala along with a million–dollar prize.
I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. It was between me and Number 27. We were going back and forth for the lead. One second I was ahead, the next she was. My stomach was in knots.
Those few minutes felt like hours. When the numbers finally froze, my heart was pounding.
Turned out, it was a tie. Number 27 and I had exactly the same number of votes.
“Well, isn’t this a surprise?” the host announced. “A tie for first place. Let’s welcome Number 27 and Number 36 to the stage.”
Right then, a woman with a gorgeous figure made her way toward the stairs.
I recognized her instantly. She was stunning, no doubt the prettiest one here. Dressed in form–fitting black lace, she looked both elegant and sexy. Her technique wasn’t the strongest, but she was definitely captivating to watch.
Lucas noticed me hesitating and gave me a little nudge. “That’s you. Go on.”
Still a bit dazed, I whispered, “But what happens to the prize money if it’s a tie?”
He laughed, “Anna, are you really that broke?”
Well, yeah. If I had money, would I be here? “Do we have to split it?” I asked.
Lucas grinned. “Relax. We’re not that cheap. You both get a million. No splitting.”
I breathed a sigh of relief.
Then I stepped onto the stage just as Number 27 was working the crowd. Her smile was magnetic, her voice sweet and engaging. The audience absolutely loved her.
Meanwhile, I lingered awkwardly off to the side, hoping the host would wrap things up and hand out the awards already. Thankfully, the host soon made his way over. He positioned himself between me and Number 27, beaming. “What an exciting night. I hereby declare both of you winners, tied for first place. Each of you will receive-”
“Wait.” A deep, commanding voice cut through the applause. My heart dropped. I knew that voice. It was Charles.
I turned slowly, my body tense. His tall figure emerged from the shadows at the back of the auditorium. His expression was cold, his eyes sharp with anger.
1/2
Chapter 8 Has Appearance
A shiver ran down my spine clenched my fists, confused and nervou
Wasn’t he supposed to be on a business trip in Amiston? He said he didn’t care about this competition, so why did he show up now? My mind raced, every question twisting into dread
Charles was a well–known figure in the business world and his presence alone commanded silence. The room went still
The host faltered for a second before putting on a professional smile ‘Oh Me Bennett What an honor. We had no idea you were joining us. We would’ve prepared a better spot
Charles didn’t respond. His gaze stayed locked on me, cold and unyielding
tinstinctively took a step back, my palms growing damp
Just then, Lucas emerged from backstage. He shot Charles a relaxed grin. “Hey now we’re in the middle of an awards ceremony. Whatever it is, can it wait?”
“Awards” Charles let out a low, bumorless laugh. The rankings aren’t final yet. What exactly are you awarding?”
My stomach tightened
Lucas raised an eyebrow. “Not final? What are you talking about? They tied for first.”
Charles’s eyes never left me as he said, cool and clear, “I haven’t voted yet.”
The room erupted into whispers
The host quickly seized the moment. “It seems Mr. Bennett hasn’t cast his vote. This is perfect. His vote will be the tiebreaker. He can choose either Number 27 or Number 36, and we will have our sole winner
I went completely still, my eyes locked on Charles. Was he going to vote for her? If he did, what would I possibly do? The collectors from the casino were coming for my dad’s debt in just two days. My brother had gone radio silent. Without that million dollars, I didn’t even want to think about what would happen to my dad, to our whole family
My thoughts were spiraling into a panicked mess. And right then, all that panic turned into anger directed straight at Charles
I was this close. I had a tie for first, and the money was right there. Why did he have to show up now and ruin everything?
Just as I was stewing, Lucas leaned in uncomfortably close with a mischievous grin. “Well, well. Didn’t see that coming. So, what’s your bet? Think he’ll throw you the winning vote?”
I just clenched my fist, refusing to answer
Meanwhile, Number 27 saw her opportunity and started laying on the charm, batting her eyelashes and putting on a shy
sweet act
“Oh, Mr. Bennett,” she giggled, her voice dripping with honey, “I’ve heard so much about you. You’re even more handsome in person than on television.”
Lucas elbowed me sharply in the ribs and hissed under his breath, “Are you just going to stand there? You might want to try flattering him a little, or he’s going to pick her.
“You’ll kick yourself if you lose this because you stayed quiet.”
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