Chapter 14
Mariana kept a polite smile on her face. She looked at the judges‘ panel with cold eyes.
The one stirring things up was called Lyndon Hinton. She remembered him. He was the father of Sandra’s so–called friend, whom Mariana slapped at that bachelor party. No wonder he would come for her now.
She didn’t flinch. Instead, she calmly projected her files onto the screen.
“These are parts of my background. I prepared them mainly for the Global Gala for Socialites.”
She began rolling the slides and introduced herself with a steady tone.
“I’ve studied piano, calligraphy, and painting since I was a kid. I started dancing at nine and specialize in multiple styles, especially ballet.
“This is my certificate for reaching the highest RAD level at fourteen. “This one’s a still from a well–known ballet production I performed in…”
Her self–introduction was with grace and clarity, but the judges weren’t interested at all. After a few sentences, someone cut her off. “That’s enough!”
“I haven’t finished yet,” she said calmly, holding her ground.
Lyndon, with the final say, frowned deeply and waved his hand. “Get off the stage. Don’t embarrass the gala. What’s a cripple showing off here?”
“Exactly. Mr. Hinton is right. Who let her through?”
A few other judges chimed in.
“I’m in treatment, and I might recover by the time of the event. Even so, can’t a disabled girl chase her dream? It’d be a powerful story for Forechester.”
“Stop arguing!”
Lyndon snapped. “Are you leaving on your own, or should I throw you out?”
Sensing the tension, the organizer stood up to ease the situation. “Ms. Mueller, just leave your materials with us.”
“Sure.”
Mariana pressed her lips together. She had an ace up her sleeve. There was no need to waste energy on narrow minds.
Just as she turned around, a cold voice echoed across the hall. “Talk is cheap. Why don’t you prove yourself right here? Being disabled isn’t an excuse. A disabled dancer can still show poise and grace.”
The doors of the hall swung open.
Light poured in from outside, framing a man in a wheelchair. He was sharp–featured and strikingly handsome. A cold, hawk–like stare could crush someone from across the room.
“Mr. Montoya!”
No one knew he would come in person.
The judges panicked and quickly invited him to the center seat.
Mariana didn’t move. Lyndon, trying to please Edwin, barked at her, “What are you staring at? Mr. Montoya told you to dance. Didn’t you
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hear? Go on!”
“Please,” Edwin’s assistant added, motioning for her to begin.
There was no way to refuse. The music had started.
She took a breath, pressed on her cane, and began to dance to the music.
Her ballet training showed in every beautiful movement and cool temperament. Even with one leg and one arm, she moved like a butterfly, gliding around her cane with elegant lines.
Her face had strong, classic features. Her eyes, even with light makeup, drew focus like a spotlight. On stage, she was impossible to ignore.
Edwin’s dark eyes blinked. He had to admit that he was impressed.
When the dance ended, silence filled the room.
No one dared speak before Edwin. But unexpectedly, Mariana broke the silence herself. “Dear judges, what do you think?”
Lyndon cleared his throat and forced an angry tone. “What’s the mess? It’s got no beauty and no grace. Get off. You’re just wasting Mr. Montoya’s time.”
“Mr. Hinton, didn’t you like it?” Mariana asked.
“Who would? Only a blind man would call that dancing!”
She looked down slightly and curled her lips. “Well, if I walk away from here with a pass granted by Mr. Montoya, doesn’t that mean you’re the blind, Mr. Hinton?”
Lyndon’s eyes bulged. He couldn’t believe she had the nerve to talk back. He roared, “Get off the damn stage! Do you think Mr. Montoya will give you a pass? You’re delusional!”
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