Chapter 84

Emory's eyes narrowed as she leveled a sharp stare at Emilia, but her tone stayed forced and controlled.

"I'm not the type to hold grudges," said Emory, trying to keep her voice steady. "If you just say sorry, that'll be the end of it. I'm not so unforgiving that I'd let a little disrespect ruin your future. If you really have what it takes in ballet, I'd still consider teaching you."

Every word sounded like Emory was doing Emilia a favor she never asked for, her posture dripping with superiority.

A flash of amusement crossed Emilia's mind. Even someone with trophies lining their shelves would think twice before talking down to her like that.

Why was Emory acting like some grand champion when she was only a runner-up with a questionable reputation? Frankly, Emilia thought she wasn't even worth befriending, let alone taking advice from.

On the sidelines, Melina watched the exchange, genuinely stunned. Emilia didn't so much as blink, not even after hearing Emory's lofty title.

Was Emilia already aware? If so, why didn't she seem the least bit impressed?

Maybe there was some history between them, or maybe Emilia was just being arrogant?

But Melina quickly dismissed the thought; after all, Emilia had treated her with respect.

None of it had caught Emory's attention. With her arms folded and her chin lifted just enough to show it, she stood there exuding quiet arrogance.

After revealing who she was, she fully expected Emilia to light up with excitement and plead for a chance to become her student.

Feeling quietly satisfied, Emory had expected things to go her way, but the result was nothing like she imagined. "Save your breath. A despicable person doesn't qualify to be my mentor," Emilia replied, her words icy and final.

Emory was left sputtering, lost for words, her cheeks flushing with humiliation.

How could Emilia, just a student, dare to snub her like this?

A shiver ran through Melina as she watched, a pit of worry settling in her stomach.

Emilia's boldness could easily spark another wave of backlash online. Not only were people dragging her online already, but she still had the nerve to act like she was untouchable.

Emilia's situation genuinely tore at Melina, but she couldn't ignore how overly confident the girl seemed to be.

Could it be that the online comment about how heartless Emilia was was actually true?

"I said nothing but the truth." Emilia held her gaze steady on Emory, a small, knowing smile flickering at the corner of her mouth. "Don't tell me you've already forgotten what you did to Cecilia."

A shiver ran down Emory's spine. Did Emilia really know? She couldn't tell if it was the force of Emilia's gaze or just raw nerves, but she instinctively backed away, putting a little distance between them.

Melina's brow tensed the moment she heard the name Cecilia, her mind was already working through what it could mean. Was Emilia talking about Cecilia Dobson, the international ballet competition champion?

Rumors floated around that Emory and Cecilia used to be inseparable, but somewhere along the line, their friendship crashed and burned. Since then, they'd acted like bitter rivals, never making peace.

Could Emilia actually know Cecilia? Was she privy to the secrets that split them apart?

"I have no idea what you're implying." Emory's eyes turned cold, a flash of hostility surfacing as she spoke.

Years ago, she and Cecilia had been equally talented, their abilities constantly neck and neck.

Everything shifted when Cecilia, as if touched by magic, suddenly advanced in leaps and bounds, all under the guidance of some mysterious teacher she kept hidden. It already stung that Cecilia was a bit more captivating, and the one person Emory cared abot had eyes only for her former friend.

Bitterness festered. Emory couldn't stand the idea of being left behind. Cecilia's secrecy about her mentor only fueled Emory's desire to act.

What made Cecilia so deserving that life kept handing every chance to her?

Nothing about it felt right! No part of Emory was willing to go along with it!

With the odds stacked in Cecilia's favor and fate offering no mercy, Emory decided she'd take matters into her own hands and claim it all for herself.