<strong>Chapter 1220:</strong>


    The director, firm yet gentle, responded, “You need to let go of this notion. Mr. Hopkins arranged this showcase specifically for Laney. You’ll still have your moment to shine in a supporting role.”


    “I’ve been in the shadows long enough!” Kira’s voice rose with determination. “This time, the center stage belongs to me!”


    The director remained unfazed. “If you can dance better than her, I’ll consider it.”


    Kira’s frustration intensified. Despite the extensive resources her family had invested in her training and the adoration she had received, whenever she was matched against Laney’s raw talent, Kira’s efforts always seemed to fall short, like reaching for stars just beyond her grasp.


    Drawing upon her family’s influence, Kira contacted her sister, Juliet. Through tears and desperate pleas, she made her case for iming center stage.


    Juliet, wary of antagonizing Cliff, refused Kira’s request.


    “Then I’ll create a scene with Laney,” Kira threatened. “After all, Cliff has no affection for her. She stands alone.”


    A cold dread crept through Juliet’s veins. “My rtionship with Cliff is already hanging by a thread. Why must you fan the mes now?”


    Gal no ve l s . hosts your favorite stories


    “That’s not my concern. The center position is all that matters!” Kira’s determination was unwavering, and Juliet knew her impulsive sister could easily expose the delicate dynamics between Cliff and Laney.


    Juliet realized that it was just one performance. Denying Laney this one moment wouldn’t causesting damage. So, she decided to seize the opportunity to visit Cliff’s office.


    Upon arrival, Juliet found Cliff uncharacteristically idle, his phone clutched in his hands, his expression clouded. “Am I catching you at a bad time?” she ventured.


    Cliff emerged from his reverie, though his voice remained detached. “No. Speak your mind.”


    Juliet approached the subject of the performance with diplomatic finesse, carefully choosing her words to avoid provoking Cliff’s ire. His lips were pressed into a thin line, and his silence spoke volumes. Three days had stretched into an eternity since their argument, and there had been no trace of Laney in his world. Her absence gnawed at him relentlessly.


    “Handle it as you see fit,” Cliffmanded, securing his phone in the drawer with a decisive click. “I’m not to be disturbed for the remainder of the day.”


    Juliet marveled at the unexpected ease of her victory. Noticing the anger simmering beneath his surface, she probed gently, “Has your cousin misinterpreted our recent social gathering? Surely, you exined that our uing marriage wouldn’te between you two?”


    Cliff’s expression darkened like storm clouds gathering. “What exactly are you implying? Do you think she’s some kind of ything?” His cutting tone nearly shattered Juliet’sposure. With a bitterugh that barely masked her hurt, she turned on her heel and left.


    As the sun reached its peak the following day, Laney found herself summoned to the director’s office. Despite her resolve, the persistent pressure eventually forced her to surrender the lead role.


    .


    .


    .


    <hr>


    Message from Noah: Double chapters to make up forst friday dear readers! God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best! (=?=) /


    .