Shattered Rose He Held On Tight novel Chapter 251

Chapter 251 The So–Called Battle

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Claudia let out a laugh and looked at her. “Come on, it’s not about winning or losing. Andrea already said we’re welcome–what’s there to be scared of?”

By the time the final choreography was locked in, Andrea had already dropped her bias.

Being young didn’t mean being inexperienced, and she had to admit–Florence’s instincts were as sharp as ever.

Claudia’s creativity completely surprised her and even gave her a few new ideas.

Over the last three days, she’d seen how focused and tough Claudia was–and somewhere deep down, she actually felt bad for what Claudia had gone through before.

Today’s so–called “battle” felt less like a competition and more like a private showcase.

Tilda shook her head. Claudia’s choreography was solid–if she could win over the famously picky Andrea, that said everything.

Still, a bet was a bet. She was carrying Claudia’s name, and it was her first time performing in public since she’d gotten her confidence back. She was nervous she wouldn’t give her all.

Andrea glanced at her. “You can’t win if you hold back on stage.”

Then, after a short pause, she smirked. “I’ll give you this though—you’re not bad.”

Tilda blinked, stunned.

Claudia grinned and gave her a little push.

Tilda suddenly laughed, blew a kiss at both Claudia and the stone–faced Andrea, then lifted her chin and walked onto the stage with light, confident steps.

The performance–a head–to–head piece between two dancers, refined through their choreographers‘ rivalry–was a hit.

Two women, different in

different in every way, lit up the stage like wildflowers in bloom. They fought for love, fierce yet full of respect for each other, and the crowd could feel every bit of it.

It was raw power mixed with grace, the kind of performance you just couldn’t look away from.

Florence had forced herself not to check in during rehearsals, wanting to keep the surprise.

Now, seeing the finished show, her eyes shone with genuine awe.

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16:29 Tue, Oct 14 B…

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Chapter 251 The So Called Battle

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“That was amazing! Claudia, Andrea–honestly, I have every reason to believe our new show’s gonna blow up worldwide!”

From that one performance alone, Florence could tell–everything had leveled up. The choreography, the energy, and even the dancers themselves felt sharper and more alive.

She silently thanked Celine for sending her such a perfect new partner.

On stage, Tilda and Thalia, the two main dancers in the routine, took their bows and hugged. Andrea turned to Claudia, then held out her hand. “Sorry … and here’s to a great collaboration.”

Claudia took it with a smile. Their eyes met, and they both laughed softly.

That evening, Whitney drove to the theater to pick Claudia up after work.

Through the rolled–down window, her face appeared behind a pair of sunglasses. “Hey, babe- how’d it go?”

Claudia’s smile was as bright as sunshine; she made a playful “nailed it” gesture.

Whitney grinned. “Knew it. Get in–we’re celebrating tonight.”

The sleek car sped away, leaving behind a swirl of streetlight and envy.

A couple of guys from the dance crew, walking out behind Claudia, craned their necks to watch the car disappear. “Of course,” one said with a sigh. “Even the people she hangs out with are gorgeous.”

Another man–tall, broad–shouldered–couldn’t take his eyes off the spot where the car had vanished. “Do you think I’d have a chance if I tried to ask Ms. Lancaster out?”

He’d fallen for her the moment he saw her–the overseas consultant with that sweet smile, the effortless charm, and the sheer talent.

Just remembering how she looked after that victory today made his chest tighten. His gaze burned with pure infatuation.

The two guys exchanged looks.

Ryan Foster, the troupe’s male lead, had it all–killer looks, crazy skills, and a rich family. He was the kind of guy who got stacks of flowers after every show.

They felt a twinge of jealousy but still forced out polite smiles. “Yeah… sure, you can try.”

“Don’t,” someone added flatly.

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