Rebirth vs. Rebirth Tragedy to Triumph by Violeta and Zelena [[Chapters 291, to 300]] – Daisy Novels

Chapter 291

“Hayden, are you going to stay in Newham and not come back to Quinston in the future?”

Under the streetlight, Hayden’s dark eyes met hers. He spoke slowly. “I’ll be back in five years.”

“What? Five years? That’s way too long.”

Violeta looked away. The wind was blowing. She glanced down at her toes and mumbled, “Five years later, that will be my third year after graduation. I wonder if I will have won any awards by then.”

In her previous life, the gap between her and Zelena had widened significantly after she left Toland University.

Of course, leaving Toland University marked the beginning of her unlucky life.

The familiar campus script would be finished.

From that point on, it would all depend on her strength.

This world wasn’t just black and white. Those who made it to the end had more than just talent and luck; they had to be adept with the unwritten rules too.

What was the endpoint? Violeta didn’t know.

She looked up and grinned at him. “You’re quite clear-headed, planning so far ahead?”

Hayden’s expression remained calm. The streetlight’s orange glow cast shadows on his high nose, emphasizing his handsome features. His attractive appearance made Violeta find it difficult to take her eyes off him.

Five years wasn’t long for him. Actually, it was quite fast.

Quinston was the capital, so returning there was extremely difficult.

Beginning in Newham was a starting point. Without family support, his current qualifications might not suffice. Money alone couldn’t smooth the path he had to tread.

Five years was merely a goal he set for himself. Whether he could achieve it would depend on luck.

He didn’t tell Violeta any of this. Hayden simply said, “How many films can you make in five years?”

Violeta raised her eyebrows and said, “It’s difficult to say. If I compare it to ‘The Quiet Ode’, I could only do two a year! Some big productions take one or two years.”

Hayden smiled slightly and said, “Then I will return when you graduate and have work on a big production.”

“Really? I wish you the best of luck.”

“You too.”

“When you come back, let’s have fondue together.”

“I’ll treat you.”

“Sure.”

After a moment of silence, Hayden suddenly asked, “Do you want me to come back sooner?”

Violeta paused and then turned to look at Hayden’s deep eyes. She said with a smile, “I look forward to it.”

As she spoke, the driver had arrived.

They got into the car. Hayden sent Violeta home.

As she was leaving, Violeta suddenly remembered something. She took a few steps forward and then turned back to Hayden.

Violeta said, “By the way, you looked wonderful in the graduation photo!

“Alright, goodnight!”

Hayden hadn’t expected Violeta to come back just to say this. He chuckled and said, “Goodnight.”

Violeta waved at him and walked towards her house.

The maid opened the door for Violeta. When she saw Hayden in the car, the maid respectfully nodded at him before closing the ornate iron gate.

Hayden looked away and instructed the driver softly, “Let’s go.”

“Yes, Mr. Hayden.”

The driver took off.

During the next holiday, Violeta went to the Rhythmic Dance Studio every day to practice her dance moves, especially ballet pirouettes.

Zelena might take on the role of the Flajan dancer this time, but she wanted to make sure she had no regrets. Therefore, she continued to practice diligently.

The Lotus Award was approaching. Nydia and Hazel were also practicing hard at the studio. Grace drilled them to exhaustion every day.

During this period, as they spent every day together, Violeta and the Nelson sisters became closer.

They knew Violeta had been filming and were eagerly anticipating her drama’s release.

After finishing dance practice, Violeta would sit nearby to record their dance rehearsals. She always watches from the sidelines.

……

Unexpectedly, things took a dramatic turn that day.

The Nelson sisters, who had been cooped up in the studio for more than a month, were finally able to leave when there were only two days left before the registration for the Lotus Award opened.

Grace gave them a day off. The sisters invited Violeta to go cycling by the river.

They had a great time all afternoon. On their way back, the sisters were involved in a car accident.

Violeta had just returned home. She was about to shower when she received a call from Grace.

“Hello, Ms. Parker.

“What!? How did that happen? Okay, I’ll head to the hospital right away.”

The maid had just prepared Violeta’s pajamas, but Violeta rushed downstairs without showering after hanging up the phone.

Irene was sitting in the living room watching TV when she saw Violeta rushing down. She asked, “Vio, what’s wrong?”

Violeta said, “Mom, I need to go to the hospital. Nydia and Hazel were in a car accident.”

These days, Violeta has been busy practicing in the dance

studio. Irene knew who the two people in question were. Nelson’s sisters were only two years older than her daughter.

Hearing this, Irene was also concerned. She asked, “How could this happen? Let’s go; I’ll come with you!”

“Alright.”

With that, mother and daughter hurried out the door.

The driver took them to the hospital.

At the hospital.

Violeta and Irene inquired with the nurses and made their way to the outside of the operating room.

合

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Grace paced anxiously outside the operating room.

“Ms. Parker.”

Grace turned to see Violeta approaching. She said, “Hey, Vio.”

Her gaze then shifted to Irene, and she politely greeted her. “Ms. Irene.”

“As a nationally renowned opera performer, Irene was naturally well-known to Grace. To show her respect, Grace respectfully addressed her as Ms. Irene instead of Mrs. White.”

Irene nodded kindly to Grace in acknowledgment.

Violeta asked, “What happened? How did the accident occur?”

Grace sighed and said, “I don’t know the details, so I called you. The hospital contacted me because they couldn’t reach their parents.

“On my way here, I called their parents multiple times. Their secretary answered and said both were on a business trip in Jobus and wouldn’t be back until tonight.

“Vio, where have you been all afternoon?”

Violeta explained, “We went cycling by the river, then had dinner at a street food stall before heading home. I took a cab, and they must have done the same. Did the accident happen on their way back?”

Grace was deeply worried, but there was nothing he could do.

Violeta glanced at the tightly shut doors of the operating room. She struggled to believe that just an hour ago, they had been laughing together at the street food stall.

She asked, “Ms. Parker, did the doctor say anything when you arrived?”

Grace replied, “The doctor said one of them is in critical condition. The car crashed directly into the left guardrail. Nydia was sitting in the back, on the left side. She suffered a severe leg injury, including an open fracture. Hazel sat on the right. She’s in better shape but still has multiple fractures and is being treated for glass shards.”

Irene was distressed to hear this. She said, “Oh dear, I hope they’ll be alright.”

Violeta was in deep sorrow.

Just earlier, while enjoying a cajun crawfish boil at the street stall, they had been joking about winning the Lotus Award, with Violeta cheering them on as future stars of the dance world.

And now, this horrific accident has occurred.

And it happened right before the Lotus Award’s registration opened.

Is this fate?

Or something else…

Violeta asked, “Ms. Parker, did you call the police?”

Grace explained, “Yes, the bystanders called immediately after the accident. We’re waiting for the investigation results now.” Grace’s heart ached more than anyone else’s.

She felt sorry for the two, as she had trained them since they were young. She was devastated at the thought that they would miss the Lotus Award.

Grace had missed her own chance back then.

Was history repeating itself with her students?

Grace kept vigil outside the operating room.

Violeta and Irene visited Hazel, who had just recovered from surgery.

Hazel lay unconscious on the bed. She looked fragile and weak.

The shattered car window had injured her scalp, and the treatment involved shaving off part of her short hair. Violeta stood beside the bed, staring at her in distress.

“Hazel, you must get better. There are bigger stages waiting for you.”

Violeta asked the doctor, “When might she wake up?”

The doctor replied, “It depends on when her consciousness returns. It could be tonight, but I can’t be sure.”

Nydia and Hazel’s parents were unable to make it to the hospital at once.

Violeta decided to stay and support Grace.

Noticing her daughter’s determination, Irene also chose to stay and was keenly interested in the investigation.

Around 8 PM, Nydia was wheeled out of the operating room.

White bandages covered almost her entire body. Her leg had a severe open fracture at the knee.

The doctor, knowing she was a dancer, regrettably said, “We’ve done our best. If the nerve is damaged, dancing might not be possible, and walking could be difficult.”

Everyone fell silent at the remark.

Violeta found it difficult to accept the news, and the same goes for Grace.

This incident caught them off guard. Grace felt a shiver run down her spine. She staggered and was unable to stand still.

“Ms. Parker.”

Grace remained strong, and she said, “I’m fine. I’ll be alright.”

The sisters were placed in a single room. Grace covered all the expenses.

Irene also contributed. She had connections with the hospital’s director and upgraded them to a suite.

Grace said, “Violeta, you should go home. I’ll stay here. Their parents will arrive tomorrow morning. I’ll wait for them here.”

Violeta looked at the girls lying in the hospital bed and realized she couldn’t do much more. Irene had an early bedtime, and Violeta needed to take her mother home.

“Alright, Ms. Parker. I’ll come back tomorrow.”

“Yes, you should go,” Grace said, then turned to Irene. “I apologize for taking up your time today, Ms. Irene.”

Irene smiled gently and said, “It’s no trouble at all. My husband knows their parents well, and as Violeta’s mentor, I’m here to help in any way I can.”

Grace nodded and said, “Thank you. Please go home and get some rest.”

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Violeta said, “Alright, Ms. Parker, I’ll take my mom home now. We’ll be back tomorrow.”

On the way back from the hospital, Violeta said to Irene, “It’s such a shame they can’t compete for the Lotus Award because of the accident.”

Irene patted Violeta’s hand and said, “Do you know what I’m thinking? Although it’s unfortunate, I’m glad my daughter wasn’t in that car. Otherwise, my heart would have shattered into pieces.”

When she saw the Nelson sisters lying in the hospital bed, it pained Irene deeply.

If Violeta had been in their position, she might have fainted immediately.

Violeta found the timing of Nydia and Hazel’s accident, right before the Lotus Award, very suspicious.

She said, “I hope the police find out the truth.”

Irene noticed her daughter was deeply worried. She reassured her daughter, saying, “Don’t worry, the surveillance footage is clear. The Nelsons are formidable when their daughters get into an accident. Her parents won’t rest until they get to the bottom of this.”

“Good, I hope so.”

The next day, Violeta visited the hospital.

By the time she arrived, Nydia and Hazel’s parents were already there. The couple were in disarray.

Perhaps sensing their presence, Nydia and Hazel began to wake up.

“Dad and Mom,” Hazel murmured.

“Hazel is awake! Oh, my darling!”

Nydia had woken up too, but her injuries were more severe and rendered her unable to speak.

Grace noticed this and quickly informed the others.

She wanted to give Nydia some water but remembered the doctor’s instructions that no water was allowed within six hours after the surgery. In the end, she only dabbed Nydia’s lips with a damp cloth.

“Dad… Mom… Ms. Parker… Violeta, you’re all here,” Hazel said weakly.

Standing at the bedside behind Cecil Nelson and Prunella Poole, Violeta asked gently, “How are you feeling now?”

Grace pressed the call button for the doctor. She said, “The doctor will be here soon.”

Prunella’s eyes had turned red from crying. She asked, “Hazel, how did you two get into a car accident? I’m heartbroken when I hear about this.”

“Mom, please don’t cry,” Hazel said weakly.

“What about the driver?”

“The driver died on the spot,” Grace replied.

At the accident scene, the driver had died instantly.

The driver’s seat was on the left. When the car hit the guardrail, the pressure from the reverse steering wheel caused the driver’s ribs to shatter, puncturing his internal organs and killing him instantly.

Nydia sat behind the driver. Therefore, she was severely injured, while Hazel fared slightly better.

The driver passed away immediately, and his family declined to consent to an autopsy.

“The driver definitely had issues,” Hazel said weakly.

Violeta furrowed her brow and asked, “What do you remember?”

Hazel spoke brokenly, “When we got into the car, we noticed a strong smell of alcohol. He locked the doors right after we got in and played a video of a woman pole dancing on the central screen. We were both scared and made an excuse to get off at the next stop.

“But he wouldn’t let us out… When we said we’d call the police, he crashed into the guardrail, and then I blacked out.”

Everyone was stunned by her words.

“What? It was like that.”

Prunella exclaimed angrily. “At first, we thought the driver’s death was an accident, but he actually tried to take my daughters down with him. This is unforgivable! I won’t let this go!”

Grace remained silent and deep in thought.

Violeta also felt something was off. It seemed like someone had targeted Hazel and Nydia deliberately.

Why does this driver appear to be following instructions from someone?

The doctor arrived to check on their injuries.

Violeta and Grace walked out of the hospital room and reached the door of the nearby emergency exit.

“Ms. Parker, do you think there’s something wrong with the driver?” Violeta asked.

Grace agreed. “It seems suspicious. I’ll continue looking into it.”

Violeta agreed. “If Hazel’s memory is correct, then the driver was drunk and intended to kill.”

Clearly, the driver had intended to take their lives from the beginning. The fact that they survived was nothing short of a miracle.

“If this was deliberate, who do you think could have caused such an incident right before the Lotus Award?” Violeta pondered. Violeta wondered aloud.

Grace remained mute.

Her eyes narrowed at her suspicion. Who else?

She naturally suspected her archenemy, Vivian.

Vivian’s husband had previously faced public humiliation at the birthday party. The media coverage had caused Vivian to

become the subject of gossip within the circle.

She even lost several shows she had lined up.

Vivian had been seething with hatred for Grace.

However, she had waited for the right moment to strike back.

Vivian had laid low, and she waited until the online scandal blew over before she resumed her activities.

The Lotus Award was coming up. It was the most anticipated event in the dance world. Hazel and Nydia were Grace’s most promising students. Those two were strong contenders to win the competition.

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But now…

Both of them were in a car accident. Forget about recovering; even their rehabilitation would take years.

On top of that, the injury to Nydia’s leg was severe-no one knows if it will affect her ability to walk..

This incident had cost Grace her most promising disciples.

After midnight, registration for the Lotus Award will open online. It looks like they will have to give up this time.

“Vio, don’t worry. I will not let this matter rest with what happened to them. If it turns out that Vivian was behind this, I will make sure she goes to jail.”

Vivian has truly lost her mind.

Grace initially thought it was just a rivalry on the dance floor, but Vivian went as far as to endanger lives. This changes. everything.

Grace won’t let her students be bullied for nothing.

Violeta agreed and said, “Ms. Parker, I have faith in you.”

After the doctor finished examining them, she said the sister’s condition was stable for now. However, they needed to stay in the hospital for further observation. Additionally, they couldn’t get out of bed and needed caregivers for their basic needs.

Prunella loved her daughter dearly, so she volunteered to take care of them.

Six hours later, Nydia, the most severely injured, could finally speak.

She knew that Hazel had already explained the situation to everyone, so her biggest worry was the award.

Hazel apologized, “Ms. Parker, I’m so sorry… we… we can’t participate in the Lotus Award.

“We… we’ve let you down.”

They knew how long Grace had prepared them for the award and how much she wanted them to succeed on that stage.

It had always been a face-off between Grace and Vivian in their circle.

Countless eyes were watching for them.

Originally, Hazel and Nydia had hoped to bring honour to Grace on stage. However, this accident destroyed everything.

Grace couldn’t help but tear up when Nydia, who was deeply injured, still worried about disappointing her.

Nydia didn’t know how severe her injuries were. They didn’t want to tell her she might have trouble walking later.

Grace stepped forward. She held Nydia’s hand and said, “Don’t worry about that now. The most important thing is for you to recover. Your safety is my biggest wish. As for the event, we can talk about it later. No number of awards are as important as you two.”

Hazel, who was lying next to her, felt the same way.

She exchanged a look with Nydia. Their twin telepaths were at work. “Ms. Parker, how about we let Violeta compete?”

Violeta felt a bit panicked by the suggestion. She said, “No, I can’t. I don’t know your dance. I can’t compete.”

The dance Grace had choreographed for Hazel and Nydia was a duet. As twins, they had a natural synergy and were capable of performing moves that would astonish the audience.

If Violeta were to dance alone, it would have to be a solo.

She felt her skill level was far from competition-worthy.

The only dance she could perform confidently was ballet pirouettes.

Violeta had confidence, but she didn’t underestimate the other dancers. Dancers like Lucy, for example, had likely prepared and practiced for over a year, just like Hazel and Nydia.

How could Violeta compete with just last-minute preparation?

However, Hazel had confidence in Violeta. She said, “Vio, you practiced with us. Even though you only know ballet pirouettes, have you forgotten? Your dance move won first place at the university’s fall festival and beat Lucy. You can do it!”

Violeta had never thought about competing.

“No, it’s not possible. You’re overestimating me.”

She waved her hands in refusal.

Hazel lowered her eyes. Then, she looked at Grace and asked, “Ms. Parker, what do you think?”

Grace knew Violeta’s capabilities.

Although Violeta was talented, she hadn’t started young enough to reach her full potential.

If she had started earlier, her achievements would undoubtedly be higher.

Since Hazel suggested it and there were no outsiders present, Grace decided to speak her mind.

“Since Hazel mentioned it, I’ll share my plans for the Lotus Award. I originally choreographed a modern dance for Hazel and Nydia to compete against Vivian’s students.”

Vivian won the fifth Modern Dance Gold award, while Grace won the sixth Classical Dance Gold Award.

Although both were gold awards, the dance styles were different.

Over the years, Grace and Vivian have quietly competed, always trying to outdo each other.

Therefore, Grace choreographed a modern dance for Hazel and Nydia to prove that. Despite her classical dance background, she could teach modern dance just as well as Vivian.

Grace was a master of classical dance.

When Violeta was introduced to Grace, it was because she was a master of classical dance.

Grace specialized in ballet pirouettes and was qualified to teach Violeta.

Hazel and Nydia were unable to compete, so they couldn’t go head-to-head with Lucy in modern dance.

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Violeta would likely go for classical rather than modern dance if she decided to enter the competition.

The Lotus Award was pretty specific, offering three prizes- gold, silver, and bronze-in each dance style and the same for choreography.

Therefore, Hazel’s suggestion might be seen differently by others.

And Violeta? She was pretty much the heir to Grace’s forte in Ballet Spin.

“Let Vio go for classical dance; that way, she won’t clash with Lucy in modern dance,” someone suggests.

Violeta worried. “But there are so many talented classical dancers. You think I can handle it?”

Grace gave her a reassuring look and said, “The Lotus Award holds as much prestige here as the Plum Blossom Award does in theatre or the Golden Rooster and Hundred Blossom Awards in film. Even if you don’t win, just competing is a way to grow.”

Hazel chimed in, “Vio, you should definitely try.”

Nydia added, “Indeed, you’ve spent so much time practicing your dance, initially just for auditions. Missing out on this Lotus Award would be a disappointment for us. Seeing you participate would really make up for it.”

Violeta was nervous. “I’m scared I won’t win and let everyone down.”

Grace smiled and gently patted her shoulder. “Vio, I can’t promise anything, but I know your Ballet Spin is top-notch; you’ve been training with me from the start. I’ve seen your progress.”

Throwing Violeta into a modern dance face-off with Lucy would be like throwing a duck into a dance-off.

However, she stood a real chance in classical dance, where she could shine with her Ballet Spin.

“But no pressure. I won’t push you into competing if it’s not in your heart,” Grace added.

Violeta stayed silent.

Both Hazel and Nydia were keen for her to participate, having looked forward to it for ages. Now that they could not, they felt seeing Violeta compete would be somewhat consoling.

“Vio, go for it,” Hazel urged.

“Yes, do it for us,” Nydia echoed, both giving Violeta hopeful looks as she pondered their words.

After a brief pause, Violeta agreed, “Alright, I’ll do it. I might just be okay at dancing, but I have faith that the routine Ms. Parker crafted could win Best Choreography, right?”

Hearing this, Hazel and Nydia both beamed. “Vio, we’ll be rooting for you!”

“Yeah!”

Thus, somewhat reluctantly, Violeta consented to compete in the 14th Lotus Award for classical dance.

She had not anticipated using the dance she had prepared for an audition in the competition.

Each year, the competition venue changes, and this year it took place in Icroln.

When Irene found out that Violeta was representing the Nelson sisters, she decided to go along for support. “Sweetie, I got your back! I’ll come with you to give you all my support.”

Violeta chuckled at Irene’s enthusiasm. “Mom, this is a competition, not a concert. It’s odd for you to come and cheer like that.”

Irene responded, “Why not? When are you leaving? I’ll get your

bags packed and ask around. I might even know one of the judges.”

After making some calls, it turned out Irene did know one of the judges at this year’s Lotus Award.

Using her connections, she managed to get a seat in the audience, and the next day, she accompanied Violeta to Icroln with her luggage in tow.

Only Anton and Niall remained at home.

Anton initially wanted to accompany them, but Irene insisted he stay and focus on his work.

Meanwhile, as Violeta was competing in Icroln, Zelena had located the casting director for the Spring Isn’t Blooming production. Since Hattie had previously taken on a role meant for Zelena, it was now her turn to reach out to the director.

After some discussions, she convinced the casting director.

He assured Zelena that if everything went well, he would put in a good word for her with the main director during their visit to Toland University for actor selections.

“The director initially wanted someone skilled in ballet. If you can’t do that, he might not consider you.”

Zelena was not proficient in ballet, but she was decent at modern dance, though she was not professionally trained.

Hattie suggested, “You could always use a stand-in later. I’m sure you’ll figure something out, Chandler. Lena is a good friend of mine, so please try to find a workaround.”

With Hannah backing her up, the casting director agreed to look for a way to accommodate them.

“Alright, given my ties to your mother and your decent qualifications, head home and await further updates. Oh, and by the way, our director has a penchant for collecting wine.”

The hint was clear.

Zelena understood immediately and responded with a smile, “Got it.”

As the dinner party wound down, Hattie folded her arms and told Zelena, “Don’t say I never helped you. Pick up a fine bottle of wine and invite the director to another meal. With that, you’re pretty much set.”

Zelena smiled. “Hattie, I knew you’d look out for me!”

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Hattie whispered under her breath, “I don’t want this role to go to Violeta.”

Violeta had secured the lead role in Wade’s web series, igniting fierce envy in Hattie.

Additionally, there was an odd rumour circulating in the

industry that the main investor in the web series, Niall, was Violeta’s brother!

Absolute rubbish!

Hattie disregarded such baseless gossip.

It seemed like the type of rumour Violeta would start to boost her own reputation!

Hattie had identified Violeta as her future primary competitor and was determined to keep a tight rein on her from the beginning!

Therefore, she was resolved that the lead role in this drama must not fall to Violeta.

After pondering, Hattie chose to support Zelena, unaware that Zelena did not share the same feelings.

Though both viewed Violeta as a mutual adversary, Zelena was determined to come out on top, pushing Hattie to go all out against Violeta.

This drama became Zelena’s stepping stone into the industry.

Violeta and her team arrived in Icroln.

The competition was looming in just three days.

Solo performers like Violeta were uncommon, as most participants were from dance troupes, enhancing their likelihood of victory and highlighting the choreographers’ expertise.

Meanwhile, solo dancing focused all attention on one

individual, requiring exceptional skill and flawless performance, which made it significantly tougher.

In Icroln, Grace managed to find a dance studio for Violeta to carry out her final pre-competition practices and tweak some details.

Yet a larger issue soon arose.

Originally, the Nelson sisters were meant to compete, so all the custom-made costumes and stage setups were designed for them.

With Violeta stepping in, she found herself without any costumes or stage designs.

Clearly, it was impractical to use the setups intended for the Nelson sisters, as they involved modern dance and classical dance-two distinctly different styles.

Grace had to urgently invest a substantial amount of money to have everything custom-made once more, hoping it would be ready on time.

Although the stage designs could be done overnight, the intricate costumes could not.

The exceptional quality of the costumes was crucial for classical dance.

Irene suggested, “Why not use the previous set?”

At the Moon Festival, Violeta had worn a dance costume previously worn by Irene, which had been altered. She had only worn it once.

Indeed, such costumes were more appropriate for large-scale competitions, ensuring she would not be overshadowed, as classics always endure.

Irene had missed Violeta’s performance at the Moon Festival but would not miss her performance at the Lotus Award this time.

Grace queried, “The previous set?”

Violeta confirmed, “Yes, I wore the dance costume modified from Mom’s old stage costume at the Moon Festival at school last time, and it really worked well.”

Grace inquired, “Do you have any pictures? Show me.”

Violeta did not have any photos on hand, so she logged into the school forum on her phone and pulled up a video from the last Moon Festival competition recorded by the school to show Grace.

Grace was delighted with what she saw.

The costume was exquisitely made, with every stitch and detail reflecting superb craftsmanship.

If this set couldn’t meet Grace’s high standards, what could?

“Excellent, we’ll use this set! It’s stunning and fits you perfectly.

Your performance at the Moon Festival was impressive, and the choreography is even better now. I’m sure the stage effect will

be fantastic. Vio, I can’t wait to see how you perform.”

Irene immediately arranged to have the dance costume air-freighted from Quinston.

The preparations were quick and intense.

The ultimate impact of the stage presentation would become apparent during Violeta’s rehearsals in the dance studio.

Both Irene and Grace were filled with optimism.

Yet, for Violeta, delivering a flawless performance on stage was her true aim; securing the Best Performance award was not essential. Winning the Best Choreography Award for Grace would be sufficiently rewarding.

With that perspective, Violeta had a restful sleep, free from anxiety, on the night before the competition.

The next day.

At the competition venue.

Backstage was a whirlwind of activity, crowded with dance troupes. The makeup artists were swamped, and powder swirled under the bright lights.

As Violeta had anticipated, there were very few solo performances, particularly in the classical dance category.

In fact, Violeta was the only solo performer!

In her category, only three participants had registered for solo performances.

Apart from Violeta, there were just two others in the modern dance category. One was likely Lucy, while the identity of the other remained a mystery.

Today, it is dedicated to classical dance, with modern dance competitions set for later.

Although Violeta did not run into Lucy, a dance troupe from Vivian’s studio unexpectedly entered the classical dance category.

Thus, Vivian also attended, bringing Lucy along.

They crossed paths backstage, as expected.

Lucy caught sight of Violeta, who was sitting quietly getting her hair and makeup done and looked surprised.

Violeta calmly met Lucy’s gaze through the mirror’s reflection, then closed her eyes and let the makeup artist continue with her eye makeup.

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Lucy was taken aback to see Violeta on this stage.

Vivian was also surprised and scoffed, “Grace really overdid it, bringing her student, whom she’s barely trained for two years, to compete. Does she think her student is some kind of dance prodigy? It was as if two years could stack up to ten years of hard work.

“This isn’t a place where a few flips will win you a trophy. It’s almost laughable!”

Lucy did not say anything.

She noticed the dance costume Violeta was wearing.

It was the same one from the school’s Moon Festival.

That meant Violeta did not even have a costume specifically made for this competition!

Clearly, it was a last-minute fix.

Indeed, it was a stretch.

Lucy was puzzled. Didn’t Grace have two other students? Why insist on Violeta competing?

What about Hazel and Nydia?

“Ms. Montclair, why did Grace let her compete? Shouldn’t it have been Hazel and Nydia?

Vivian walked away, snickering, “Who knows? They might be dead or disabled. Hmph, probably crippled if not dead, right?”

Lucy’s eyes widened.

According to Vivian, did Hazel and Nydia have a car accident?

How could this happen?

Vivian added, “Lucy, don’t worry, the gold award is definitely yours this time. That woman still wants to challenge me. She never dared back then, and now she’s just being delusional!”

Lucy felt uneasy. Observing Vivian’s confident demeanour sent a chill down her spine.

Lucy had been rigorously preparing for the Lotus Award throughout her senior year.

Her goal was to clinch the gold award by imposing strict personal standards, including avoiding oily foods, to maintain her figure.

She was determined to win the competition, fair and square.

However, Vivian’s tone made Lucy wonder if something had been orchestrated about Hazel and Nydia’s car accident?

Could her teacher have really done something so drastic just for a gold award?

Lucy was skeptical.

She quickly made an excuse to leave for the bathroom, stepping away from backstage to call a contact in Quinston to check on Hazel and Nydia’s situation.

The response was swift; indeed, Hazel and Nydia had been in an accident the day before the registration for the Lotus Award opened and were still hospitalized.

This news left Lucy with a complex feeling.

Why such a coincidence?

The accident occurred right before the Lotus Award registration.

Moreover, Ms. Montclair’s earlier tone seemed too calculated, as if she had expected this event.

With Hazel and Nydia out of the competition, Lucy felt the challenge had diminished, making the contest seem less appealing.

Meanwhile, Violeta had finished getting ready and was waiting backstage for her turn.

Irene was in the audience, full of excitement and anticipation.

The competition began promptly.

The format was straightforward: each contestant performed on schedule, followed by the judges’ scoring.

Irene secured a great spot and set up her phone to record Violeta’s performance later.

Just as she adjusted the camera angle, her phone rang-it was Anton.

Somewhat annoyed, Irene answered, “Hello, why are you calling now? You’re interrupting me.”

Anton could tell Irene was irritated and spoke gently, “Darling, you asked me to monitor the police investigation, right? There’s a new update.”

Indeed, Irene had enlisted Anton’s help with the investigation.

She just had not expected news so quickly.

Given the various parties involved, it would have been odd not to hear back soon.

“What’s the new update?”

“The driver responsible for the accident was diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer two weeks ago.”

The driver’s diagnosis suggested he had intentionally crashed.

The CCTV footage confirmed he did not slow down at all before hitting the guardrail, clearly attempting suicide.

This matched Hazel and Nydia’s claim that the driver was suicidal.

“Are the Nelson girls just unlucky to be caught up in this suicidal driver’s path?”

Anton paused, then added, “Not necessarily. Someone truly intent on dying wouldn’t typically choose such an uncertain method. Isn’t he scared of surviving the crash? Besides, the timing of their accident, just a day before the Lotus Award registration, is too coincidental. We need to dig deeper.”

Irene replied, “Okay, I’ll hang up now. I need to keep recording, so please, no more calls.”

✩

Chapter 298

The silence left Anton feeling a bit bewildered.

After saying that, Irene decisively hung up and returned her phone to the stand, adjusting the angle.

The competition was running smoothly.

Irene was not only excited about Violeta’s performance but also genuinely appreciated the performances of the other competitors.

The talent at the Lotus Award was evident in both the stage design and choreography, making the competition fiercely competitive.

Sitting in the audience, Lucy also keenly observed the event. She was particularly interested in seeing Violeta perform and curious about her skills.

Next to Lucy, Vivian had left her bag and coat on the seat.

Vivian had connections with the competition’s organizers and asked Lucy to watch her belongings while she mingled.

Just then, a phone started ringing.

Lucy, thinking it was hers, reached into her pocket but realized it was not her phone that was ringing.

The noise was nearby. Lucy glanced around and finally settled her gaze on Vivian’s bag.

The sound was emanating from Vivian’s bag-she had accidentally left her phone behind.

The call went unanswered, so it was automatically disconnected.

Lucy shifted her gaze, acting as if she had not heard the sound.

However, to her surprise, the phone started ringing again soon after.

The prolonged ringing drew the attention of nearby spectators towards Lucy as the phone’s ringtone was bothering others.

Reluctantly, she opened Vivian’s bag and pulled out the phone, noticing it was a call from Vivian’s husband, Declan.