The entire scene fell silent.

The smugness on Lara's face froze, as though someone had doused a bucket of ice water on her.

She hurried down from the stage, clutching her gown in one hand, and seized Perry by the arm. Her nails dug into his jacket. "Mr. Jones, why did it get canceled? Didn't Mr. Green agree to see my rehearsal today? I've done my hair and makeup, and the press is waiting outside. What am I supposed to do now?"

Perry didn't even look at her. He yanked his arm free and smoothed down his sleeve with visible distaste. His gaze darted across the room until it landed on me, standing quietly in a corner.

Looking visibly relieved, he made his way toward me quickly.

All traces of his earlier swagger had vanished. He bowed so low, his voice dripping with a deference that made everyone in the room do a double take.

"Ms. Newman, Mr. Green wanted me to confirm the flight is arriving at three in the afternoon, right? He's already sent a car to the airport, and the hotel room is ready. Everything has been taken care of."

Lara froze instantly, her eyes widening in shock.

Even Ramon furrowed his brows as he hurried over, trying to smooth things over.

"Mr. Jones, there must be a mistake."

He pointed at me, his voice laced with contempt. It was obvious he was trying to save face. "She's just an old woman whose company has gone bankrupt. The only reason she's got any attention online is that she's been guilt-tripping Lara..."

"Shut up!"

Perry broke out in a cold sweat. He whipped around and shot Ramon a glare that could've cut glass.

"Who the hell do you think you are to talk shit about Ms. Newman? Even if you do have a death wish, don't drag me down with you."

Ramon flinched at Perry's outburst and shot him a look full of disbelief.

I ignored Perry's fawning and looked at Lara quietly.

"Think you'll still be principal dancer by the end of the day?" I asked, my voice soft and edged with a quiet mockery.

Lara bit her lip, her complexion shifting between flushed and pale.

She forced out a cold laugh and stared at me, trying desperately to regain her composure.

"Eliza, stop playing these mind games. Mr. Green chose me because of my talent! My private coach is the internationally renowned Ms. Mystic! Mr. Green personally praised my fundamentals as flawless. There's no way he'd replace me because of you!"

When she brought up Mystic's name, the surrounding students collectively gasped, their faces filled with envy.

Mystic was a legend in the dance industry.

No one knew what she looked like, but everyone knew that every student she trained became a world-class dancer.

Anyone lucky enough to be her student, even in name only, would be able to command respect throughout the dance industry.

Glancing at the smug expression on Lara's face, I nearly burst out laughing. "Is that so?"

I slowly smooth my sleeves. "Then do you know why Ms. Mystic chose to teach you?"

Lara stuck up her chin proudly.

"That's because I'm insanely talented. Ms. Mystic said I was born for this. I'm destined to stand on the world's biggest stages!"

Right then, Perry's phone rang.

He answered the call, his expression turning solemn.

After hanging up, he turned to Lara. "Lara, Mr. Green wants you to stitch the dress you tore apart back together, piece by piece. Otherwise..."