FULL NOVELXO Chapter 279
Chapter 279 It’s a Wild Ride
Lucius lowered his gaze, watching the ballet video playing on the phone with an air of composure. Milly, mindful of his towering stature potentially obscuring his view, discreetly held up the device for him, all the while observing his reaction covertly.
There was a contemplative air about him, his countenance betraying no emotion. Milly found this disconcerting. Wasn’t he expected to be enthralled by Stephanie’s ballet prowess? Yet, with the performance unfolding before him, there was no discernible response.
Could it be that he had never truly watched Stephanie dance before?
Just as Milly contemplated queuing up another of Stephanie’s performances, Lucius’s tranquil eyes suddenly flickered, akin to a pebble dropped into a serene pond, stirring ripples of intrigue.
Upon witnessing this subtle change, Milly couldn’t suppress a surge of satisfaction. Success! Her assistant’s intervention had proven efficacious. Lucius had indeed taken an interest!
Excellent. The pieces were falling into place according to plan. Lucius’s future attentions would likely be directed towards Stephanie, affording Milly a graceful retreat from the forefront.
Milly blinked and ventured softly, “What do you think? Isn’t it beautiful?”
In an uncommon gesture, Lucius nodded thoughtfully and arched an eyebrow. “Hmm.”
At his response, Milly’s eyes gleamed with hope. There was promise in his acknowledgement.
Meanwhile, Stephanie, buoyed by the positive feedback after her recent embarrassment, instantly brightened. The earlier distress on her countenance dissipated, replaced by a hint of pride.
“In truth, my skills in ballet are quite commendable. I had a fervent passion for it in my youth, fostered by my family. I trained under Ms. Lily for four or five years, although I regret not becoming her formal apprentice.”
Upon hearing Stephanie’s revelation, the onlookers gasped in awe.
“Lily? The globally renowned ballet maestro?”
“Indeed. Who else could it be, excelling so in ballet?”
Those less familiar with the art whispered amongst themselves, “Is she truly that extraordinary? Why such astonishment?”
Educated whispers soon clarified the matter.
“Extraordinary? That description hardly does justice. She is a luminary in the ballet world, akin to Einstein in knowledge or Conan Doyle in detective fiction!”
With such vivid analogies, everyone grasped the significance immediately. In their hearts, they couldn’t help but marvel.
No wonder Stephanie, heiress to the Burnett legacy, had received personal tutelage from such an exceptional figure for several years!
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whispers. Unable to suppress a triumphant smile, she revelled in the adulation.
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This was her domain! She was destined for the pedestal, to be admired and envied by the ordinary.
Milly, however, was taken aback upon hearing Stephanie’s mention of Lily. The name stirred her thoughts.
Lily? But that’s my dance instructor before I transmigrated into the book. Stephanie should only be a book character. How does she know her?
Upon reflection, it seemed plausible. The novel, crafted by individuals, could easily have been drawn from real life. Perhaps the author had known of Lily and chose to introduce a dance maestro with the same name to enhance authenticity. This realisation brought Milly some comfort.
Turning to Lucius, still engrossed in the video, she decided to steer the conversation.
“Lucius, given Stephanie’s remarkable talent, do you recognise her? Would you like a private conversation with her to share your thoughts?”
Milly’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked at Lucius, almost overflowing with excitement.
Lucius met her gaze, a smile spreading across his lips as he replied, “Of course.”
At that moment, Milly felt a surge of clation, almost ready to leap for joy. It seemed fate was finally favouring her, aligning events with her heart’s desire!
Stephanie, too, was pleasantly surprised. She was convinced that the heir of the Scathings had shown an interest in her. If she played her cards right, she could secure a loyal ally and strong support for the future.
Taking a deep breath, she gracefully brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing her delicate collarbone and refined features. Pushing aside her shyness, she stepped forward and said, “Lucius, I have something to discuss with you. Since we have some time before the official training begins, shall we find a more private spot to talk?”
Milly nodded in approval, her eyes welling with tears of gratitude as she glanced at Stephanie.
Oh yes. She finally does something right.
For the first time, she felt genuine admiration for Stephanie. In her eyes, Stephanie was an angel. She wanted to scream and shout. With her task done, she could bow out of the play.
Milly was just about to grin, but then a voice said, “Piss off.”
EMP
Stephanie’s smile faltered, frozen upon her face, her gaze locked on Lucius in utter disbelief. A pallor overcame her complexion, marking the first time she had been openly rebuffed in her privileged
existence.
But he just praised my dancing moments ago. How could he now pivot so sharply?
Even without turning, she sensed the smug gazes of her classmates, especially from her rival, Milly,
No, she couldn’t retreat now. Departing would only compound her humiliation.
“Lucius, did you confuse me for someone else just now? I’m Stephanie, the girl from the video vou
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watched. The stage makeup and lighting may have altered my appearance. It’s understandable if you didn’t recognise me.”
She flashed a hopeful smile, willing him to reconsider.
To her astonishment, Lucius arched an eyebrow, his eyes awash with disdain, his lips curling in a sneer. “I’m not blind, I can see it was you.”
Stephanie’s face drained of colour. “What do you mean?”
Lucius shot her a frigid glance. “It means I want you to leave.”
Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Stephanie dissolved into tears.
Milly remained rooted to the spot, regarding Lucius as if he were unhinged. He’s deranged. No wonder he’s not the main character. He’s setting himself up for a tough courting of his future wife.
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