The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 77: Gorgeous Dance Dress

Thanksgiving was just three days away, and today was Victoria's last practice at the Starlight Dance Hall before she would get busy with rehearsals.

As Victoria struck her final pose, she slowly lifted her gaze, looking expectantly at Diana. 

Diana watched her with admiration, taking in Victoria's flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes. 

Smiling, Diana clapped her hands. "That was fantastic, Victoria. You've improved way more than I thought you would. Watching you dance takes me back to my first time on stage. I was just as young and full of life as you are now, with a deep love for dance. You're definitely gonna win over the audience!"

Victoria's performance had truly moved Diana. It wasn't because Victoria was her daughter or because the dance was technically difficult, but because of the genuine emotion and soul that came through in her movements.

Sophie and Willow also clapped enthusiastically. 

Sophie was especially excited. "That was amazing! Even without the costumes and stage, your dance was so beautiful and captivating. The actual performance will be even more spectacular!"

Willow handed her a handkerchief. "Here, wipe off your sweat."

Victoria took it and smiled gratefully, wiping the sweat from her face. "I couldn't have improved so much without Mom and you guys' guidance!"

Diana smiled indulgently at her. "You really know how to flatter. Here's a gift for you." She handed Victoria a black satin gift box that had been sitting nearby.

Victoria took the box, surprised. She hadn't expected it to be for her. 

When she opened it, the sparkle of diamonds caught her eye, and she gasped in delight. "It's so beautiful!" 

Inside was a pink dance dress, with gold-embroidered floral patterns on the sleeves and peonies adorned with countless diamonds on the skirt.

Diana sighed. "This is a dress I wore back in the day. The design is timeless. Try it on." 

What she didn't mention was that the dress was designed by a famous designer and the diamonds were top-quality, making it worth over a million dollars. 

Diana had worn this dress for her signature dance, the Sword Dance, which had become a nationwide sensation. 

A museum had even asked to display it, but Diana had politely declined. 

Now, she was casually giving it to Victoria for the school performance. The audience wouldn't believe it was real, would they?

Victoria was stunned by the dress and quickly went to try it on. When she reappeared, everyone showered her with praise.

Sophie circled around her in disbelief. "Oh my gosh, it's so beautiful and sparkly! It totally brings out your elegance!"

Willow kept nodding in approval.

Diana looked at Victoria, seeing a reflection of her younger self. She hugged Victoria gently. "I'm so proud of you!"

"Thank you, Mom!"

The day before the rehearsal, the dance club was taking a break in their lounge after a practice session. 

There was a knock on the door, and a waiter pushed in a luxurious cart filled with fresh fruits and seafood, with ice giving off a cool mist. 

A tall man in a white tailcoat appeared, looking around. "You've all worked hard. I've brought some treats for the lovely ladies. Please enjoy."

Vivian nudged Ella beside her, enviously. "Ella, look at Walter. He's totally using this as an excuse to impress you." 

Walter Wood was one of the few guys in their dance club. Some performances required male dancers, and he was not only wealthy but also tall and handsome. Many girls were envious when he started pursuing the new member, Ella.

Ella glanced shyly at Walter. Though he was addressing everyone, his attention was clearly on her. He smiled at her, trying to be charming. 

Ella gave him a playful glare and whispered, "He's just being generous to everyone. Why do you always bring me into it?"

Before she could finish, Walter had already walked over to them, looking directly at Ella. "Ella, is there anything you like?"

Ella turned away, speaking even softer. "I'm not picky. Anything is fine."

Everyone started teasing Walter, asking why he only cared about what Ella liked when he said the treats were for everyone.

Seeing Ella blush, Walter stopped asking her and turned to the others. "Don't be shy. Help yourselves. Once you're done, we'll continue rehearsing."

As the dance club members ate, they discussed the rehearsal. 

Someone asked, "Did you see the lift the Snooker Club got? Why does she need a lift for her dance? I heard the school didn't have one, and Eric had to get it specially for her!"

"Yeah, Victoria must know she's not a great dancer, so she's using gimmicks. Does she think that'll help her win?"

Ella frowned, worried. "Victoria always has these tricks. I'm afraid the audience might find it novel and vote for her even if her dancing isn't good. That wouldn't be fair to our dance club." 

Others agreed, calling Victoria cunning and scheming.

Walter, who was very fond of Ella, couldn't stand seeing her frown. "Ella, don't worry. The student council doesn't know how to use that lift properly. It might malfunction during the performance and even hurt herself."

Ella's eyes widened in shock. "Really? If the lift breaks, Victoria could get hurt. But if I try to warn her, she won't believe me. She misunderstands me too much. I wish the lift would just break before the performance." As she said this, Ella gave Walter a meaningful look.

Walter, sensing her reliance on him, gave her a reassuring look. He started plotting how to sabotage the lift, thinking it would make the competition between the Snooker Club and the Dance Club fairer.

Walter was a man of action. Under the cover of darkness, after the staff had left, he sneaked backstage to the Snooker Club.