Claimed by My First Love's Brother (by Evergreen) novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18 Reynaldo’s Presence

I thought I saw Reynaldo!

I quickly turned my head and looked around in the audience, but I couldn’t find him.

My imagination might have played tricks on me.

Reynaldo was in Steelville right now. There was no way he could be here.

While I was lost in thought, the music started up.

I had been dancing for twenty years.

As soon as the music hit, I got into the groove.

I told Johnathan it was gonna be a regular modern dance, but I knew the crowd loved some hip–swaying, so I threw in a few extra moves.

The cheers were loud.

Then I thought about my dad’s 1.05 million debt and my mom’s tearful face.

I danced even harder, hoping to get the most votes.

A few minutes later, the music stopped and the dance was over.

The cheering and clapping wouldn’t stop.

I bowed to the audience and headed backstage.

There, I could tell the other girls were looking at me differently.

Chapter 18 Reynaldo’s Presence

At first, they gave me these looks like I was nothing, all full of scorn and jealousy, thinking I got in through connections.

But now, their eyes held a hint of surprise and admiration, like they didn’t expect I could actually dance.

Soon, Johnathan strode in, his face beaming with excitement as he said to me, “Hey, Esmie, your dance was amazing! I didn’t know you were this good!”

I smiled at him, being humble.

Then he got closer, his face smirky and cheeky. “You’ve got such great looks and talent. Why would you even come to this gala?

“Just put on that outfit and dance for Reynaldo, and he’d give you way more than 500 thousand dollars. Like, 5 million!”

I stared at him, speechless.

He sure knew how to stretch the truth.

About ten minutes later, it was time for the voting.

Each contestant’s photo and number were up on the huge screen.

I was No. 36.

When the host said it was time to vote, the numbers under each contestant started ticking up.

Everyone in the audience could only vote once. Whoever got the most. votes would be the champion of this Dance Gala and win 500 thousand dollars.

I was glued to the screen.

”

I thought to myself, “If I weren’t hard up, I’d have to be out of my mind to come to this crazy gala.”

But I asked him nervously, “You don’t mean we have to split the money, do you?”

Johnathan clicked his tongue. “Come on, give us some credit. If there are two first places, both winners get 500 thousand dollars. Splitting it would be lame.”

Hearing that, I felt a lot better.

When I got up on stage, Amelia was chatting it up with the audience.

Her sweet smile and cute, flirty voice were totally winning over the crowd.

I stood there awkwardly, hoping the host would hurry up and give out the awards.

Thankfully, he came over quickly.

He stood between me and Amelia and said with a grin, “I’m gonna announce that these two are tied for first place, and they’re gonna each get…”

He had a cold, serious look in his eyes, and he seemed intimidating.

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