At that moment, Phyllis’s phone buzzed with a WhatsApp notification.


    She nced at the screen and saw it was from a gossip-loving woman in her social circle.


    “Hey, wasn’t Madisyn your daughter before? Phyllis, she’s amazing.


    I can’t believe she’s actually Madi!”


    Phyllis’s brow furrowed as she read the message.


    She was only finding out now? How could this woman be so behind on the news?


    Without wasting time, she quickly typed back, “We’re not connected anymore.


    ”


    ‘s BunnyBookery


    The response came almost instantly.


    “How could you let go of such an exceptional daughter?”


    Phyllis’s irritation red up, as she took thement as a pointed jab.


    She quickly replied, “She’s not my biological daughter.


    She found her real family, so we’ve cut ties.


    Please don’t bring this up again.


    ”


    Phyllis thought this woman was so annoying.


    The gossipdy’s next message popped up on Phyllis’s screen.


    “Alright, but what a loss.


    If I had a daughter like that, I’d never let her go.


    ”


    Phyllis’s eyes narrowed.


    Was this woman trying to push her buttons?


    With a sharp intake of breath, she fired back, “I said, don’t bring it up again.


    ”


    Satisfied with the abrupt end to the conversation, Phyllis tossed her phone aside, trying to shake off the irritation that clung to her.


    She turned back to her meal, though the food suddenly tasted nd.


    Dinner done, she flipped on the TV, more out of routine than anything else.


    The news channel flickered to life.


    Neither Phyllis nor Jenna Liked watching the news.


    They were ready to skip it, and maybe find a movie instead, when the anchor’s voice cut through the room with unexpected news.


    “The international dancepetition has just concluded, and our country’s contestant has won the championship.


    ”


    This news report froze Phyllis and Jenna in ce, keeping them from changing the channel.


    They were utterly bewildered.


    Someone from their country actually won the championship?


    Everyone knew Rosaline and Gerard were knocked out in the second round, so who else could have possibly won?


    Madisyn? But wasn’t she supposed to be missing?


    Confused, Jenna and Phyllis kept watching TV, only to see a few images flicker onto the screen.


    A woman stood on the stage, exuding an ethereal beauty, like a goddess who had just graced the earth.


    The screen also showcased a video of the award ceremony with the anchor’smentary.


    “For the first time in five years, our country has triumphed in the international dancepetition.novelbin


    Madisyn Johns’s exceptional performance stunned the audience and sent shockwaves through the National Dance Association of Mafelen.


    The National Dance Association of Mafelen, desperate to ensure victory for their own dancer, resorted to every shady trick in the book, even trying to kill Madisyn.


    All of their underhanded maneuvers have been meticulously documented.


    Anna Murray’s teacher, who had orchestrated the car ident, has been taken into custody.


    Meanwhile, Will Simmons, a judge from Mafelen, faced expulsion from both thepetition and the association for his tant favoritism towards his own country’s contestant, leaving his once-ster reputation in ruins.


    ”