On the day of the live broadcast, I decided not to let Norman drive me to the studio.
As I stepped out of a taxi, Julian wasted no time sneering. “Victoria, what’s this? Couldn’t reel in Norman, or did he toss you aside after getting what he wanted?”
1 ignored him and moved to walk past, but he blocked my way with outstretched arms.
“Victoria, your leg hasn’t even fully healed. You can’t win this dance today.”
I met his gaze coldly. “I could beat her on one leg if I had to.”
Julian let out a derisive laugh. “Looks like I really spoiled you over the years. You’ve completely forgotten your place again.
“Should I remind you of the past? Back when everyone wanted you gone, and you were so desperate you knelt at my feet, begging me not to leave. You couldn’t even buy a bottle of water without asking my permission. Did you forget all that?”
The My tone remained calm. “Julian, you couldn’t see or remember all the love I gave you. only things you held onto were my moments of weakness and the fact that you once saved me.
Julian’s brows furrowed, and he opened his mouth to argue, but I didn’t give him the chance. “I’ve already repaid what I owed you. If you have even a shred of decency left, you’ll stay out of my business with Averil.”
“Averil is mine,” Julian replied lazily. “Shouldn’t I protect what belongs to me?”
I nodded. “You’re right.”
A glimmer of something flashed in Julian’s eyes. “You know I’ve always stood by my own. If you were still mine, I’d protect you too.”
“How? By publicly declaring Averil a thief?”
Julian pressed his lips together. “If you pull out of the show now, I’ll compensate you with other opportunities. I’ll also handle the online backlash for you.”
I swatted his hand aside. “Trash.”
“Victoria Dean!” he shouted, his voice edged with fury. “You’re the one pushing me to this!”
Without a backward glance, I stepped into the elevator, letting the doors close and shut out Julian’s voice.
I knew then that Julian was determined to make me lose this time.
The stage design, sound effects, and backup dancers were handled by internationally renowned teams.
