Chapter 96

Chapter 96:

It was Anna’s first time trying to get someone’s number, and of all the unlucky moments, the guy’s girlfriend caught her in the act. Unease surged through her.

“Have I been here too long? Maybe we should head back.”

Andrew watched Madisyn with a tender smile. Madisyn smiled back at him, took his hand, and they began walking back together. As her fingers wrapped around his, Andrew felt an unexpected lightness.

Who would’ve thought that Anna’s moves would lead to this moment? For a fleeting second, Andrew almost felt grateful to her. But just as quickly as it happened, Madisyn released his hand before they reached their seats. Lynda, ever so perceptive, immediately sensed something was off.

Find magical tales on gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․c𝑜𝓂

“Did something happen?”

“Nothing,” Madisyn replied.

Rosaline, sharp-eyed as always, said, “I saw Anna heading over there too. What was she up to?”

Before Madisyn could respond, Rosaline raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me she was trying to flirt with this handsome man?”

Madisyn smiled wryly, and the others quickly pieced it together. The realization sparked a wave of irritation among them.

It was clear to everyone that Madisyn and Andrew were together, yet Anna had still made a move on him.

Lynda found it hard to believe. “Anna… I never expected this from her,” she said, disbelief coloring her voice. “She’s a top dancer from Mafelen, always acting so superior and above everyone else…”

“I’ve got to say, people from her country don’t seem all that impressive,” Rosaline said with a disdainful look.

Gerard remained silent, but his expression showed that he shared their frustration.

A while later, Anna returned, looking dazed. She didn’t respond to anyone’s questions and kept glancing over at Andrew and Madisyn, her eyes reddened. Her first crush had ended just as quickly and quietly as it had begun, leaving her heartbroken.

“Anna, what’s up?” Bill asked, his voice filled with concern.

Suddenly, Anna lifted her head, determination flashing in her eyes. “Mr. Carman, let’s go practice right now. I have to win first place in this competition!”

“Sure, but what’s the…” Bill began, caught off guard by Anna’s fierce determination. But seeing the fire in Anna’s eyes, he stopped himself and simply nodded. “You’ve got this.”

After the meal, Andrew ensured everyone returned to the hotel for some much-needed rest.

The next day marked the second round of the competition. As news spread in Lorpond that all their competitors had advanced, excitement rippled through the online community. Social media was quickly filled with congratulatory messages, with people from around the country celebrating their success.

Madisyn was showered with praise from her family, who couldn’t hide their pride.

Elaine was the first to reach out. “Sweetie, you are incredible! You did it! I’m so proud of you!”

Her words were accompanied by a transfer of 1 million dollars to Madisyn’s account.

Glenn followed soon after. “That’s my girl! I’m so impressed!”

Another 1 million appeared in Madisyn’s balance. Then Dane joined. “Madisyn, you’re amazing!”

And just like that, he sent over 1 million as well.

Finally, Waylon’s message popped up. “Hey, I just checked my phone. Hope I’m not the last to say it—congrats, Madisyn! I’m always in your corner!”

And, of course, another 1 million transfer.

Madisyn couldn’t help but chuckle, rubbing her forehead in disbelief. It seemed they were all on the same wavelength—how had they managed to congratulate her with the exact same amount of money? But she wasn’t about to complain; she found it endearing. She sent her thanks to each of them and accepted their generous gifts.

Just as she was about to put her phone down, it buzzed again—a new transfer notification, this time for 5 million dollars.

It was from Waylon again, with a note: “This one’s from Howard!”

Howard?

Madisyn blinked in surprise. “Why didn’t he send it himself?”

“Madisyn, there’s more to it than I can explain right now,” Waylon messaged back. “Howard doesn’t want to see anyone right now, and honestly, I didn’t expect him to still pay attention to your matters.”

A wave of concern washed over Madisyn.

“I see. Is he dealing with depression?”

“It’s not depression,” Waylon responded. “Howard’s been injured. He’s living alone and has never left the house. It’s hit him hard, and he doesn’t want anyone to see him like this, so we’ve been giving him space.”

Madisyn felt a deep sympathy for Howard. She could only imagine how difficult this must be for him, and she resolved to find a way to visit him when she got back, hoping she could offer some support.

For now, though, the focus was on the competition. The group was in good spirits, preparing for the big day ahead.

But when the results were announced, everything changed.

Madisyn was the only one who made it through; the other two were eliminated.

Rosaline and Gerard were particularly crushed, their disappointment palpable.

Lynda, despite her own disappointment, kept her composure and assessed the situation calmly. “International competitions might seem fair on the surface, but that’s not always the case. Lorpond hasn’t taken a championship in years, so we don’t have any judges from our own country. Most of them are from Mafelen, and it’s only natural they’ll lean toward their own competitors.”

Everyone knew Lynda was right, but it didn’t make the reality any easier to swallow.

Rosaline’s eyes were filled with tears as she turned to Madisyn. “It’s all on you now, Madi. We’re counting on you to win—for me, for all of us.”

Her tear-streaked face was a mix of determination and hope, and it tugged at Madisyn’s heart.

She softly reassured her, “I’ll give it everything I’ve got. Don’t worry.”

Lynda gave Rosaline and Gerard a comforting pat on the shoulder. “You’ve done something incredible just by getting this far. Go get some rest.”

They nodded silently and left the room, leaving Lynda and Madisyn alone.

Lynda and Madisyn went to the practice room. As Lynda was about to offer Madisyn some guidance, she realized there was nothing she could teach her—Madisyn’s skills had already surpassed her own.

.

.

.