Chapter 321
“Just let it out.” He encouraged gently. “I’m here for you.”
Meanwhile, Eric observed from a distance, sitting alone in his car. The scene seemed futile to him. With a detached look, he directed his driver. “Sebastian, it’s time to leave.”
“Yes, Mr. Flynn.”
As they drove off, Eric caught a glimpse of Denver tenderly wiping away Hadley’s tears, treating her with delicate care.
Days later at Lightning Dance Studio, after several dance rehearsals, Blanche finally outlined her plans for Hadley.
“Alright, prepare and start practicing. You’ll be taking charge of Group D for the new performance, ‘The Passage.’”
Blanche delivered her instructions with a cool demeanor, but to Hadley, it felt as if lightning had struck, electrifying her thoughts. For a brief moment, Hadley was speechless, caught off-guard by the unexpected news.
“Do you have an issue with this?” Blanche’s brow furrowed, misinterpreting the silence.
“No, absolutely not!” Hadley quickly replied, her voice firm. She was indeed eager for the chance.
“Ms. Nicolson.” Hadley expressed her concern openly. “I’ve only recently joined the troupe. Isn’t there a chance others might view this as unfair?”
Blanche responded with a laugh, brushing off the concern.
“That’s your challenge to address. Impress them so no one can question your role.”
“But…”
“But what?” Blanche inquired, her eyebrow arching in challenge. “Hadley, I don’t appreciate hesitation at all. Are you just planning to stick to menial tasks indefinitely? I don’t need more assistants, you know.”
“Ms. Nicolson…” Hadley jumped to her feet, her nerves obvious.
“That’s not what I meant at all—”
“Enough.” Blanche waved dismissively. “I understand perfectly. But if you want respect from others, prove yourself on the stage! Are you waiting until everyone applauds you before you even step up? Eric sent you here for a purpose. When are you going to shine if you just hide in the shadows?”
Blanche released a weary breath, her gaze steady on Hadley.
“You certainly know how to follow instructions. When I asked you to trim your waistline, you didn’t disappoint.”
Blanche had an uncanny talent for accurately gauging any dancer’s physique at just a glance.
“Channel that determination into your dancing. Answer me honestly, Hadley. Is performing your true desire?”
Being trusted like this felt incredibly rare and precious.
Hadley responded decisively, “Absolutely!”
Blanche nodded resolutely. “Then stop hesitating! Claim your spotlight!”
“Yes, Ms. Nicolson!” Excitement bubbled through Hadley as she nodded eagerly.
“You know…” Blanche’s stern demeanor softened slightly, pointing at Hadley with a half-smile. “Life’s full of complicated relationships. Do you seriously think you can please everyone? Just concentrate on dancing your best and stop worrying.”