The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 73: Practicing Dance

Afterward, Victoria took Charlotte to the community hospital, where they applied some ointment. Thankfully, the injury wasn't serious. 

But Lily's provocation made Victoria even more determined to take the Thanksgiving performance seriously. She was going to outshine Lily in the area Lily prided herself on and wipe that smug look off her face!

When Mira heard about it, she was furious. "I used to think Lily was a capable girl. After all, she led the dance club and competed against a bunch of guys, and she really is a great dancer. But I didn't expect her to be so unreasonable, targeting you over some rumors. If Ethan and the others hadn't been there, who knows what might have happened!" 

She then looked at Victoria with concern. "But Victoria, are you really confident you can beat her? I heard she's been dancing since she was a kid and is skilled in ballet, jazz, and street dance."

Victoria was undaunted. "It's not about who knows more dances. I only need to perform one dance, but if I do it to perfection, I won't lose to her."

Mira's interest was piqued. "What dance?"

Victoria replied, "It's a Sword Dance, incorporating many classical elements and using a sword."

Mira's mind conjured up images of knights charging with swords and elegant women in classical dresses spinning gracefully. 

Her confidence surged, and she looked at Victoria with excitement, giving her a thumbs-up. "That sounds both cool and beautiful, and it's definitely unique! We can totally surprise her!"

Victoria nodded lightly. 

After class, she didn't go to the snooker club for practice but went straight home. She needed to focus entirely on her dance practice.

Fortunately, her home had a spacious dance studio. Victoria surveyed the clean, wide room, with mirrors covering all four walls, perfect for monitoring her posture and expressions while practicing. 

She nodded in satisfaction, pressed play, and familiar music filled the room, bringing back memories of her previous life.

Back then, she was already a junior in college, and the Scott family had long cut off her living expenses. But she studied hard, excelled in her major, and had good looks. 

Her mentor hinted that a prestigious production was coming to the school to cast the female lead for a medieval-themed story, which included a significant dance scene. So, she specifically learned a Sword Dance to better portray the role.

She had taken ballet for two years as a child, but because Joan and Brian preferred piano, they had her switch to piano lessons. So, she had some dance foundation, though not on par with professional dancers. 

Due to financial constraints, she couldn't afford a good teacher and had to practice by mimicking videos in a small, shabby studio. But she was smart and hardworking, practicing day and night, and her performance was stunning enough to impress the casting director and writer, landing her the role.

She had been so happy, telling Joan and Brian that she would buy them gifts with her earnings to repay their years of raising her. 

But a few days later, she received a notice that the role had been taken by someone else, who had invested in the production. 

And the new female lead? It was none other than Ella! Despite her poor audition, Joan and Brian, feeling sorry for her, agreed to invest more in the production, thus securing the role for Ella.

They knew how much Victoria wanted the role. She had practiced until her toes were blistered, starved herself to maintain her figure, and researched extensively to understand the character's emotions. 

But they didn't care. They only cared about Ella! Even if it meant using underhanded methods, they would fulfill Ella's wishes.

Worse, they told Victoria, "Stop being unreasonable and competing with Ella. Even if you win, we'll stand by Ella and help her get back what's hers! Accept your fate. You have no talent. Can't you just be honest and humble? Ella is the born star. She deserves to be the lead and enjoy everyone's love! If you remember our kindness in raising you, stop competing with Ella!"

It was like a nightmare. Victoria didn't know how she endured it, but she wasn't defeated. She continued to pursue her dreams, honing her acting skills and auditioning for every role she could, determined to prove to them that she was a good actress, worthy of admiration, and capable of becoming a dazzling star.

As the music ended, Victoria's memories were interrupted. She shook her head, pushing away the unhappy thoughts. 

Looking at the bright dance studio, she smiled with relief. That was all in the past. Now, she had a loving family, true friends, and endless wealth. There was nothing to worry about!

She danced to the rhythm of the music. At first, she was a bit rusty, but having practiced so many times, she quickly found her groove, imagining herself as a medieval dancer, blending a lifetime of love and hate into her performance.

She didn't notice the white door opening slightly. Outside, the butler and maids were quietly watching her dance. 

It was Victoria's first time using the dance studio, and they were all amazed, whispering, "Ms. Hamilton dances so beautifully! Just like her mother!"

At that moment, Diana returned home and, upon hearing that Victoria was in the dance studio, curiously went to see. 

The maids noticed her arrival and were about to greet her, but Diana quietly signaled them to stay silent. She took the best spot at the door to watch Victoria's dance.

As the dance ended, Victoria wiped the light sweat from her forehead and picked up her phone, which she had used to record herself for reviewing her movements. 

Applause erupted from outside the door, and Diana led the way in, speaking gently and lovingly, "Victoria, you have such a talent for dancing. What a wonderful surprise!" 

The butler and maids behind her looked on with admiration, some even giving a thumbs-up and whispering, "Ms. Hamilton is amazing!"

Victoria lowered her head slightly, smiling shyly. "Mom, you're a top-notch dancer. My skills are nothing compared to yours. You didn't have to heap praise on me and gather everyone to watch me dance."

Diana covered her mouth, laughing softly. She loved teasing Victoria and watching her act coy; it was her way of making up for the years they had spent apart. 

But she was still considerate, waving the others away and pretending to be stern. "You heard her. No more sneaking peeks at Victoria's practice."

Everyone knew she wasn't really angry, so they all left with smiles, closing the door behind them to give them privacy.

Diana held Victoria's hand, speaking earnestly. "I'm not just flattering you. That dance showed that even without professional training, you have exceptional talent and intuition. If you had been with me from the start, you'd be a rising star in the dance world by now." Her tone grew somber as she recalled the pain of losing Victoria.

Victoria leaned into her embrace, wrapping her arms around her warm, soft waist, and said softly, "Mom, don't be sad. We're together now, and we'll be happy from now on. I love performing, and I have no regrets. I'll become a big star!"

Diana lovingly stroked her hair. Victoria was so considerate, comforting her even though she had suffered. 

With a slight catch in her voice, she asked, "So what made you decide to practice dancing today? It looks like you've put a lot of time and effort into this dance."