Chapter 72

.Violet leaned slightly toward Sebastian, her voice smooth and sweet. "Sebastian, why don't we check it out too?"

"What's the point? Rodger's still at the hospital waiting for you." Sebastian barely glanced her way.

Rodger's injury had kept him away; otherwise, he would have been right by Violet's side, making sure she got through registràtion without a hitch.

"But I really want to see for myself. That woman seems extraordinary. Who knows, maybe we'll hit it off, and I'll learn a thing or two from her." A playful pout appeared on Violet's lips as she clung to Sebastian's arm. Her voice held that familiar, sing-song tone, the kind she knew always had an effect on him.

"Alright, if you're that curious, I'll go with you."Sebastian caved with a reluctant sigh. "You really are the sweetest, Sebastian." Violet's smile brightened.

He looked away, embarrassed by the praise. "It's the least I can do."

Violet had saved his brother's life and treated him kindly. He figured he owed her every bit of loyalty he could give.

"Let's not waste time, then," Violet said, slipping her arm through his and flashing another gentle smile.

A stray thought crossed her mind: what if that woman was a ballet dancer too? The idea set off a spark of venom in her chest, though her smile never faltered.

If this woman entered her world, she would befriend her, get close, and then quietly sabotage her at every turn. She wasn't about to let anyone threaten her standing, be it on a national or international stage,the spotlight belonged to her alone. At the north entrance, Sloane kept pace beside Emilia. "Are you sure you don't want me to stick around?"

Emilia shook her head. "No need. Just swing by after my practice."

Sloane looked around, noticing the curious crowd."Why is everyone watching you like you're the headline act?"

"It's probably just the aftermath of yesterday's challenge," Emilia replied, her tone even. "People are nosy. Give it a day or two, they'll move on."

"Alright, I'll see you later," Sloane said, giving her a quick nod.

"Yeah, thanks." Emilia watched as Sloane disappeared down the hallway, then turned to head for her class.

She had not gotten far before someone stepped directly into her path.

"Emilia! What are you doing at the dance academy?" Sebastian snapped, glaring as if she'd committed a crime.

He was still fuming from last night and clearly thought Emilia was here for no good reason, maybe to pick a fight with Violet on her big day. His resentment simmered just beneath the surface.

Emilia didn't flinch."Why do you care?"

"You're only here to make trouble, aren't you?"Sebastian snapped back.

"Please. I don't have time for your nonsense. Get out of my way, l've got better things to do." Rolling her eyes, Emilia shot him a look of pure annoyance.

"Watch yourself, Emilia. You're pushing your luck."Sebastian's jaw tightened.

"Keep talking, and I'll show you just how unlucky you can get. Move it, or you'll regret it," Emilia said,raising her fists for emphasis.

Violet rushed forward, clutching Sebastian's arm.Fake tears pooled in her eyes as she looked at Emilia with a desperate, trembling expression.

"If you're angry, take it out on me instead. Leave Sebastian alone, he's just a kid and didn't mean to upset you," she pleaded, her voice quivering,perfectly pitched for sympathy.

All at once, Violet reached out and took hold of Emilia's arm, stepping in closer until part of it disappeared behind her.

Before anyone had time to respond, Violet collapsed to the floor, as though an unseen force had shoved her from behind.