Chapter 18 Reynaldo’s Presence

I thought I saw Reynaldo!

I quickly turned my head and looked around in the audience, but I couldn’t find him.

My imagination might have played tricks on me.

Reynaldo was in Steelville right now. There was no way he could be here.

While I was lost in thought, the music started up.

I had been dancing for twenty years.

As soon as the music hit, I got into the groove.

I told Johnathan it was gonna be a regular modern dance, but I knew the crowd loved some hip-swaying, so I threw in a few extra moves.

The cheers were loud.

Then I thought about my dad’s 1.05 million debt and my mom’s tearful face.

I danced even harder, hoping to get the most votes.

A few minutes later, the music stopped and the dance was over.

The cheering and clapping wouldn’t stop.

I bowed to the audience and headed backstage.

There, I could tell the other girls were looking at me differently.

At first, they gave me these looks like I was nothing, all full of scorn and jealousy, thinking I got in through connections.

But now, their eyes held a hint of surprise and admiration, like they didn’t expect I could actually dance.

Soon, Johnathan strode in, his face beaming with excitement as he said to me, “Hey, Esmie, your dance was amazing! I didn’t know you were this good!”

I smiled at him, being humble.

Then he got closer, his face smirky and cheeky. “You’ve got such great looks and talent. Why would you even come to this gala? Just put on that outfit and dance for Reynaldo, and he’d give you way more than 500 thousand dollars. Like, 5 million!”

I stared at him, speechless.

He sure knew how to stretch the truth.

About ten minutes later, it was time for the voting.

Each contestant’s photo and number were up on the huge screen.

I was No. 36.

When the host said it was time to vote, the numbers under each contestant started ticking up.

Everyone in the audience could only vote once. Whoever got the most votes would be the champion of this Dance Gala and win 500 thousand dollars.

I was glued to the screen.

I thought to myself, “If I weren’t hard up, I’d have to be out of my mind to come to this crazy gala.”

But I asked him nervously, “You don’t mean we have to split the money, do you?”

Johnathan clicked his tongue. “Come on, give us some credit. If there are two first places, both winners get 500 thousand dollars. Splitting it would be lame.”

Hearing that, I felt a lot better.

When I got up on stage, Amelia was chatting it up with the audience.

Her sweet smile and cute, flirty voice were totally winning over the crowd.

I stood there awkwardly, hoping the host would hurry up and give out the awards.

Thankfully, he came over quickly.

He stood between me and Amelia and said with a grin, “I’m gonna announce that these two are tied for first place, and they’re gonna each get…”

“Wait!”

Just then, a deep, strong voice cut through from the audience.

My heart jolted because I knew it was Reynaldo.

I automatically looked down at the audience.

A tall guy slowly stepped out from the shadows in the back.

He had a cold, serious look in his eyes, and he seemed intimidating.

I stared blankly at him, with a chill down my spine.

I clenched my fists without even realizing it.

Wasn’t he supposed to be on a business trip in Steelville? Why was he here?

Didn’t he say he didn’t care about this stuff? So why did he show up?

All these questions were running through my head, and they turned into growing fear.

Reynaldo was a big deal in the business world, and he had this natural way of making people feel a little scared.

As soon as he spoke, the whole place went dead silent.

The host froze for a second, then quickly put on an ingratiating smile. “Oh, it’s Mr. Humphrey! Why didn’t you tell us you were coming? We could’ve saved you the best seat!”

Reynaldo didn’t say anything. He kept staring at me with his cold eyes.

I instinctively took a couple of steps back, my hands getting all sweaty.

Then, out of nowhere, Johnathan popped out from backstage.

He smiled at Reynaldo. “Hey, we’re in the middle of the awards. Can’t you wait till it’s over?”

“Awards?” Reynaldo gave a little laugh. “The rankings aren’t even decided yet. What awards are you talking about?”

My heart sank.

Johnathan looked puzzled. “What do you mean? They’re tied for first, right?”

Chapter 19 Reynaldo’s Presence

Reynaldo gave me a chilly smile.

“I haven’t voted yet.”

Just like that, the room got stirred up.

The host chimed in, “So Mr. Humphrey hasn’t voted yet! Perfect timing! If he casts that key vote for either No. 27 or No. 36, we’ll know who’s first, right?”

I stood there, totally stiff, looking at Reynaldo.

Was he gonna vote for Amelia?

And if he did, what was I supposed to do?

In two days, those casino guys were gonna come knocking on my dad’s door for the debt.

My brother hadn’t got back to me.

If I didn’t get the money, what was gonna happen to my dad? What about my family?

My mind was spinning.

Right then, I was feeling pretty ticked off at Reynaldo.

I was tied for first with Amelia, which meant I could get 500 thousand dollars. Why did he have to come out of nowhere and throw a wrench in the works?

When I was stressed out, Johnathan leaned in next to me and said with a smirk, “I didn’t know Reynaldo would show up like this. You think he’ll vote for you?”

I clenched my fists and didn’t say anything.

Meanwhile, Amelia was flirting with Reynaldo, acting all sweet.

She giggled. “Mr. Humphrey, I’ve heard so much about you! You look even better in person than on TV.”

Johnathan nudged my arm and whispered, “You should flirt with him too, or give him a compliment. If he votes for Amelia, you’re gonna be outta luck.”