anticipated showdown between Averil and me.
The director reached out to discuss the contract and stage setup. He was professional, genuine, and clearly passionate about his craft. After a few meetings, we developed a good rapport.
He even offered to personally handle the stage design for my performance. After some thought, I shared my vision and creative concept with him.
He promised enthusiastically, “Leave everything to me. I’ll make sure it’s perfect!”
But on the day before the live broadcast, Averil updated her social media with a series of photos showcasing the stage setup, now complete.
And the stage design was unmistakably mine.
Averil, shameless as ever, captioned the post: “This is my battlefield.”
The comment section was filled with praise:
“Wow, this is incredible! The best stage design I’ve ever seen in this country!”
“50
many intricate details–every element is so thoughtful, especially that white rose in the center. Truly iconic.”
“Our Averil might not have the smoothest love life, but her talent is unmatched. No one can criticize her work.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 22
Because the stage concepts on the Dancer Show were assumed to be the work of the performers themselves, the audience naturally believed Averil had designed it all.
She didn’t deny it. Instead, Averil tagged a lineup of top–tier stage designers and even an internationally renowned dance to her social media post. To top it off, she added a rehearsal photo.
In the picture, a group of staff stood in the back, all gathered around Julian and Averil at the front. The two of them leaned in close, cheek to cheek, gazing directly into the camera with an air of radiant affection.
Their “couple fans” were ecstatic, flooding the comments with cheers like “dream couple”
and “match made in heaven.”
One fan eagerly asked, “How much did Mr. Ford spend on her this time?”
Julian himself replied with a smirking emoji, “I’m happy to spend money on the woman I love.
This set off another wave of direct messages to me:
“Did you hear that? Mr. Ford only spends on Averil. Don’t even think about getting a penny!”
“Take a hint. The one who’s not loved is always the third wheel. Just back off already.”
“You homewrecking old witch, have some decency for once, will you?”
I’d had enough. I shut off my DMs and called the program director.
“Why did you let Averil steal my stage concept?”
“Miss Dean, I’m not sure what you’re referring to. Miss Wells‘ stage design was entirely her own creation and had no connection to anyone else.
“While I sympathize with your situation, relationships are about taking risks, and you’ve lost. I suggest you stop making baseless accusations, or we’ll be forced to take legal action.”
I let out a bitter laugh and hung up without another word.
Not long after, an unknown number sent me a text, “Victoria, give up. You can’t win.”
I didn’t reply. Instead, I blocked the number without hesitation.
