Julian turned to Averil. “Is it true?”
“Of course not!” Averil retorted, her voice trembling with indignation. “Even if I had a hundred times the courage, I’d never dare provoke my senior like that!”
She started crying as she spoke, looking utterly pitiful.
Julian, predictably taken in by her act, softened his tone almost immediately.
“Alright, alright, if you said it isn’t true, then it isn’t. Stop crying.”
He turned to me, disappointment written all over his face. “Victoria, I know you’re upset with me for giving your dance to Averil, but she’s already on the verge of losing her job because of you. Haven’t you done enough? Why go so far as to falsely accuse her?”
Behind Julian, Averil shot me a triumphant look, her expression screaming victory.
She was making it clear: Julian’s trust belonged entirely to her, leaving not a shred for me, wife of seven years.
I swallowed my anger and turned on my heel, heading toward the practice room.
his
Julian and Averil followed me, watching as I grabbed a potted plant from the windowsill and made my way toward the door.
Julian frowned. “Where are you going now?”
“Did you really think I was moving back in?” I let out a sarcastic laugh. “I just remembered I left this succulent behind and didn’t want it contaminated by the filth
and liars.”
is den of thieves
Julian’s frustration was evident. “Victoria, I’m not taking advantage of you. I’ve already spoken with the Redwood Dance Troupe. The lead dancer spot is still yours, and I’ve lined up several dance shows for you. You’re not losing out here.”
I smirked. “Let me guess, Julian. In every opportunity you’ve arranged for me, conveniently included, isn’t she?
Averil is
“I’m the lead, and she’s the backup. I appear on a show, and she’s the guest. You’re banking on me not losing my temper on camera so you can use my name to clean up hers, aren’t you? Julian, you’re absolutely pathetic.”
“Victoria Dean!” Julian’s face twisted with anger as he kicked a nearby coffee table.
