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ChChapter 5
“Mr. Carter said if you want a divorce, you have to get through tonight’s event. Otherwise you’ll face the
Consequences.”
1 froze.
Right. How could I have forgotten? Charles was now the rising elite of London.
And I? I was nothing but a woman whose real identity couldn’t even see the light of day.
I let out a bitter laugh. “Let go–I’ll walk by myself.”
Jim was determined to humiliate me. Not only did he refuse to release me,but he also quickened his pace.
I was dragged along, stumbling.drawing even more ridicule.
By the time I was pushed in front of Charles, Jim had reverted to his obedient demeanor.
Charles’s cold gaze swept over me. “What happened?”
I glared at him,hatred seething in my eyes. “Why are you pretending? Isn’t this exactly what you wanted to see?”
His brows furrowed as if displeased. Before he could respond,a pale arm slíd around his,clinging to him.
“Charlotte Edwards, I’m so sorry! The one who threw juice at you was a fan of mine.”
Olivia,dressed in an immaculate haute couture gown,pressed herself close to him.
“She probably got upset seeing you wear something similar to mine.”
“But I’m sure you won’t mind,right,Charlotte Edwards?”
Before, I would have fumed at her provocation.
But now,I just wanted to le
ave.
“Charles,I came because you asked. I endured your humiliation. You got what you wanted. Can I leave now?”
Without waiting for his response,I turned to go.
But someone blocked my path.
“This is the famous dancer Charlotte Edwards! Since you’re here, why not perform before you leave?”
I don’t know the person in front of me,but it’s obvious–they must be someone Charles brought here just to humiliate
- me.
“Move.” I kept my face cold,my voice even colder.
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Dancing into the Heart of Mr. Cet
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Chapter 5
“Oh? Quite the temper.” The person sized me up like I was merchandise. “Still think you’re the rising star of the dance world? Or have you not realized yet–you’ve been blacklisted from the industry?
My breath caught,and a chill spread through my body. “Charles,is this true?”
Charles swirled the wine in his glass,his gaze unfamiliar and merciless. “This is your punishment for what you did
wrong.”
I couldn’t stop myself from pressing him.“What exactly did I do? What was so unforgivable that you had to ruin my future.cut off all my paths? Charles,answer me!”
His lips pressed into a tight line,clearly displeased with my attitude. “You know very well what you’ve done.”
Olivia laughed. “Charlotte Edwards,I’m performing tonight. Haven’t you been getting a lot of bad press lately? Why not dance a piece too? There are a lot of big shots here. Who knows? One of them might take an interest.”
I fixed my gaze on Olivia,staring at her until her smile faltered.
She shrank behind Charles. “Charles,Charlotte Edwards is scary.”
Charles patted her hand,his eyes locked onto mine.
“Charlotte Edwards,didn’t you want to cling to powerful people? There are quite a few entertainment executives here tonight. This is a golden opportunity. Aren’t you going to seize it?”
I sucked in a sharp breath,suddenly finding the man before me terrifyingly unfamiliar.
I remembered the year he first started his business. His family was dirt poor,and he desperately needed
funding–without it,he would miss a once–in–a–lifetime chance.
I went behind his back and danced in a nightclub to earn fast cash. When Charles found out,he would rather sell his own blood than let me expose myself like that.
“You know I’m possessive. Just the thought of other men looking at you drives me mad.”
Back then, he loved me so much. We spent our nights entwined in a tiny,moldy apartment,sharing even a single plum,taking turns biting into it with pure contentment.
And now?
Now,he was acting as if it meant nothing to him to push me toward other men.
My voice came out dry and hoarse. “Fine. As you wish.”
I pushed past the people blocking my way and headed toward a director I had once worked with.
“Ah,Charlotte Edwards,why are you still limping? Could it be that your injury is real?”
“Ignore her. She’s faking it.”
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Dancing into the Heart of Mr. Cole3
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Chapter 5
Charles’s voice was filled with arrogant disdain,blending seamlessly with the mocking laughter around me. It was a suffocating net that wrapped around me,tightening with every breath.
I forced myself forward and reached the director,but before I could greet him,he hurriedly stepped aside,avoiding me like the plague.
I stood frozen,realizing there was no point in begging anymore.
But I refused to accept this.
I had always been the hardest worker in the dance industry,staying low–key and avoiding conflicts. My reputation
had been impeccable.
So many people had once sworn they’d give anything to collaborate with me. I refused to believe that all my achievements could be erased just because of Charles’s words.
