Chapter 77

Chapter 77:

Phyllis’s and Jenna’s faces darkened. If that man was Glenn, then the woman with him must be his wife.

Jeffry, irritated, scolded, “You should be careful out there. It’s best not to provoke the wrong people!”

Jenna snapped back to attention and said, “I got it. But does Mrs. Johns even know Madisyn? Dad, should I check with Lynda for more clarity?”

“Go ahead.”

Jenna approached a door and knocked.

“Come in.”

Jenna stepped into the room and was greeted by the sight of Lynda and Kristine, both impeccably dressed.

“Hello, Miss Johns. I’m Jenna Chapman,” she greeted Lynda with a courteous smile.

Lynda looked her over with a cool expression. “You’re in the finals, right? Just give it your all. I’m considering taking on a disciple, but it all depends on your performance.”

Lynda’s intent was clear; she would be watching closely to judge potential in the competition.

“I understand.” Jenna felt the pressure of Lynda’s stature, which made it difficult to relax, but she continued, “Miss Johns, I have a question for you.”

“What is it?”

“There was talk of a collaboration between the Chapman and Johns families, but Mr. Johns called it off just as it was about to start. I’m trying to understand why,” Jenna explained, visibly confused.

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Lynda replied, “I don’t get too involved in our company’s business. My brother doesn’t usually cancel agreements without a good reason, so the problem must have been on your end.”

Disappointed by the lack of a definitive answer, Jenna nodded and excused herself.

Kristine, deep in thought, said, “Aunt, I’ll start getting ready over here. Are you going to check on the other contestants?”

“Yes, I will.”

Lynda, the vice president of the National Dance Association, was ready to guide the competitors before the event.

As the competition neared, the participants drew lots to determine the sequence of their performances. Kristine drew a middle spot and felt content with it.

“Aunt, could we take a photo with Dad, Mom, and my brothers?” Kristine requested gently. “I’d like to keep it as a keepsake.”

“Of course, I’ll call them right now,” Lynda responded promptly.

Elaine and the others were quick to gather, but Kristine’s eyes kept darting around.

“Is Madisyn really not going to show up?” Kristine inquired, her tone laced with disappointment.

Dane answered with a shrug, “Even if she doesn’t come, it won’t change how you perform today.”

“But I had hoped that the entire family would be here to support me,” Kristine said with a sigh.

While she was talking, Madisyn approached. Kristine quickly went to greet her, exclaiming, “Madisyn, you made it! I’ve been waiting for you!”

“Waiting for me?” Madisyn looked confused.

“Yes, it’s a big day for me. I wanted my whole family around,” Kristine explained, her face lighting up with joy.

Lynda shot Madisyn an impatient look. “You’re here at last. Come on. We should take a picture to commemorate Kristine’s big moment.”

“Okay.” Madisyn moved to join them. As the camera clicked, the picture was snapped.

“Madisyn, I was starting to think you wouldn’t make it,” Kristine said, joyfully clutching Madisyn’s hand.

“Am I really that important to you?” Madisyn asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.

Kristine was about to reply when Lynda interjected with a frown, “This is a national dance competition, and Kristine could very well win. As her sister, shouldn’t you be here to support her?”

Madisyn didn’t seem to think the event was that significant.

Lynda noticed Madisyn’s lack of interest and became even more irked. “You don’t find this important? This competition is a major national event, held only once a year! You might not have Kristine’s talent, but that doesn’t mean you should dismiss this competition!”

Lynda’s words stung. Elaine looked concerned, and Glenn intervened, saying, “Lynda, you’re misunderstanding Madisyn.”

Lynda’s frustration grew. She had only said a few sentences, yet Glenn was already defending Madisyn. This felt incredibly unfair!

When Lynda noticed Kristine’s eyes brimming with tears, her frustration turned to anger. Although she seldom argued, she couldn’t contain herself now.

“Glenn, you’re being too partial. If Kristine had missed Madisyn’s crucial event, wouldn’t you be upset? We should all be supporting each other. What could be more important than Kristine’s competition? Madisyn just doesn’t want to see her succeed. She’s jealous.”

“Lynda!” Glenn exclaimed, clearly upset.

Finally, Madisyn understood the situation. Before she could explain her absence, the president’s secretary approached.

“There you are! We’ve prepared your judge’s ID card for the finals!”

She handed over the card to Madisyn.

Everyone around them was stunned.

Madisyn accepted the card and said to Elaine, “Mom, I need to start my duties now.”

She then left with the secretary, leaving everyone in a state of surprise.

After a moment, Glenn finally recovered and said with a smile, “I had no idea Madisyn was so accomplished—to be a judge at this competition!”

Elaine gave Lynda a meaningful look and added, “Lynda, you were questioning what could be more important for Madisyn. Perhaps being a judge here is significant enough?”

Lynda had previously praised Kristine’s participation in a national competition, and now here was Madisyn, serving as a judge!

Caught off guard, Lynda found herself at a loss for words. Meanwhile, she pondered how Madisyn, despite her young age, had managed to secure a position as a judge.

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