Chapter 82

"We do need to meet up," Asher responded.

Rosie Hudson didn't hesitate. "Let's go to Bob's restaurant.How about it?"

"That works for me." Their chat was brief, and Asher ended the call soon after.

Setting her phone aside, Rosie was immediately approached by Bob, who asked eagerly, "Did Asher agree to meet you tomorrow?"

"Indeed, he did." Rosie nodded, a small smile on her lips as she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her features were as delicate as ever,and she couldn't help but feel a flicker of satisfaction. "I didn't think he'd say yes so fast."

She recalled how, last time, she had expected Asher to come collect her,but he hadn't

bothered to show.

To make matters worse, rumors swirled that Asher had brought another woman with him that night.

Rosie had been fuming when she found out.

Being a Hudson lady and the most well-known socialite in Ockford, Rosie had always known that both her family and the Gordons wanted her to marry Asher. He never gave a definite yes or no, leaving her hanging, which felt like a slap in the face.

Eventually, Rosie calmed down and saw things from Asher's perspective.

She understood there was no sense in pushing a man who was used to getting his way,especially someone with Asher's background.

Bob didn't hesitate to flatter her. "Naturally, he said yes. There isn't a single person in Ockford who measures up to you. If you two end up together, he's hit the jackpot!".

He grinned and added, "Just wait, when you and your fiancé visit, I'll make sure the whole city knows."

Rosie shot him a playful look. "Fiancé? We're not officially engaged yet."

Bob flashed her a confident grin. "It's just a matter of time, you'll see. Now, I'd better get going on tomorrow night's menu. I'll make sure you and Asher have a meal to remember."

Rosie nodded in agreement, then paused as something came to mind. "Oh, have you seen that new restaurant across the street? It actually looks pretty fancy."

Bob let out a dismissive laugh. "They think they can open an upscale place nearby? That's wishful thinking. Give it a few months, they'll be packing up and leaving."

The following day, Arabella accompanied Daisy to dance practice with the troupe.

Seeing Daisy blend in so well with the other

dancers put Arabella at ease.

With a bit of free time on her hands, Arabella wandered over to Jennifer's office. But when she arrived, she realized Jennifer already had company.

The office door was cracked open, and Zoe's anxious voice carried into the hallway. "Ms.Dawson, my student is incredibly gifted. Can't you reconsider and make an exception for us?It's been ages since l've had a student stand out. If this keeps up, my days at this facility are numbered."

Not long ago, both Elissa and Joyce had been expelled, and their teacher, Zoe,lost her job for failing to supervise them.

The whole ordeal had hit Zoe hard.

Now Zoe was stuck teaching at a tutoring center, and her reputation was on the line.Getting her current student into the dance troupe could turn things around, and maybe

attract new pupils.

Jennifer's tone was sharp, her patience clearly worn thin. "I told you before, you already had an excellent student. The problem was you never valued her."

Zoe's expression soured. "I couldn't have guessed Elissa would get mixed up in something like that..."

"Elissa?" Jennifer repeated, her brows lifting in surprise.

"Wait, weren't you talking about Elissa?" Zoe asked, her confusion written all over her face.

Jennifer rolled her eyes, but her attention shifted as she caught sight of Arabella in the doorway. Even with her mask and hat, there was no mistaking her.

Arabella gave a quiet nod in greeting.

Jennifer caught on immediately and didn't bother sugarcoating her words. "No, I was

referring to Daisy. Elissa isn't even relevant here. Honestly, Zoe, you really can't spot talent when it's right in front of you, do you?"

"Daisy?" Zoe blurted out, suddenly at a loss for words.

Truthfully, she had always known Daisy had skill,but after the girl's leg injury, she never considered her a contender.

But if Jennifer, the notoriously tough judge,was offering praise, then Daisy must have serious potential.

The previous dancer Jennifer had complimented went on to become an unexpected sensation, earning recognition all across the country.

Regret washed over Zoe. If she had stepped in and stopped the bullying earlier, maybe she wouldn't have lost her position. If she had given Daisy a chance, perhaps she would have discovered a star in her own classroom.

Now Zoe's reputation was in ruins, and once news of her dismissal.spread, the most talented students made sure to steer clear of her.

Left with only part-time gigs at a tutoring center, she scraped by on the bare minimum.

Confronted with her situation, Zoe finally saw how far she had fallen, and where she was likely headed.

Zoe wandered out of the office, her thoughts spinning with regret.

But no amount of remorse could rewrite the past.

Once Zoe had left, Arabella stepped inside.Jennifer's face brightened at the sight of her. "I have to say, Daisy's got real talent. She fits in perfectly with the troupe."

Arabella managed a small smile. "Thank you for giving her a chance."

She paused, lowering her voice. "There's

something else. I think someone in the association has Lailah's back."

Jennifer's expression shifted to shock. "Who could it be?" "I haven't narrowed it down yet,"Arabella replied, calm and steady. "But whoever it is, they have significant access. I reported Lailah's misconduct, and it never made it to the top."