جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 560

It was a brief travel journal entry. The handwriting wasn't Vance's; she knew his script too well.It was obviously a photocopy, and she couldn't help wondering, "Could this be from Darren's travel diary? Has Vance gone there, copied a page, and pasted it onto the postcard for me?"She hadn't known Darren that well.It was said that handwriting revealed one's character. Darren's script was bold and strong, his sentences short and direct, which meant he was straightforward and masculine as a guy.She slipped the postcard into a drawer.The second letter arrived a week later. This time it wasn't a postcard but a printed sketch on paper. She couldn't quite place the meaning of the figures until a letter slipped out of the envelope.[Dear Rebecca,[I couldn't resist writing to you. After leaving the Lake District, I found the guesthouse where Darren once stayed. It sits right along the road—a century-old, classic, countryside cottage that's incredibly charming. I wish I could take p

"Desmond is doing well," Denise said. "He joined the company and stays busy every day. My parents are even setting him up on blind dates."Those words lifted a heavy weight from Rebecca's heart. She truly hoped Desmond could move on and meet new people."Don't put any pressure on yourself," Denise continued. "They will take good care of him. Actually, my dad never really liked that Desmond was into dancing. Bringing him back home fits what he wanted."She covered her mouth, realizing her improper expression. "I didn't mean dancing was bad..."Rebecca smiled gently. "I understand."She even understood that Sean probably hadn't wanted her as a daughter-in-law. With their status, they would prefer someone from an equal background who could strengthen their influence.During the summer when Desmond had come to Soliaridge to handle his visa, she had overheard him arguing with Sean on the phone several times. He thought she didn't know, but she had heard every word.Denise nodded. "I'

But the two had both returned to the States. Willow was said to be a principal dancer in a troupe."Willow Stanton?" Rebecca said tentatively.Margaret showed no reaction.Rebecca tried again. "Desmond Schroeder?"Margaret's expression shifted, and Rebecca figured out the situation."If you have so many problems with the troupe, we can terminate the contract. Cooperation goes both ways," Rebecca said. "But if you slander us with no proof, I will reserve the right to sue.""Go ahead and sue me. See if you can win. I don't fight unprepared battles, Coach," Margaret snorted, her voice thick with sarcasm.She walked past Rebecca with her head held high. At the door, she turned back. "As for terminating the contract... I don't want that either. You have no grounds to fire me. I haven't violated any terms. If you terminate it without cause, I'll sue you."Rebecca watched her leave, wondering if she had been sent by Desmond for revenge....That evening, Rebecca returned to the apar

Rebecca opened the door, ready to go in, but Margaret called out, "Stop!"She turned around to see Margaret following her."You're calculating!" Margaret sneered. "No wonder a divorced, older woman like you could wrap them around your finger. It's because you live right next door!"Rebecca had no intention of arguing. "I know you're very talented. But since you are part of the troupe now and don't plan to leave, I hope you'll focus on dancing."Margaret's lips curved in mockery. "And on what basis are you saying that? As the coach, or as Desmond's ex-girlfriend?"Rebecca stayed calm. "As a dancer. I've seen too many talented dancers ruined by things outside of dance.""Are you lecturing me?" Margaret sneered, lifting her chin even higher.The disdain in her eyes overflowed. "Save it. Stop acting so high and mighty. You just happened to meet Desmond and used his ideas to make yourself famous. You're just better at pulling tricks."She glared. "Do you know that when he talks abou

Rebecca was unperturbed. She scanned everyone standing with Margaret, then said, "What if I don't agree?"Margaret smiled contemptuously. "Then we won't show up. Go ahead and sue us. Worst case, you get some compensation.""Have you thought about what this says about you?" Rebecca warned her. "Breaking your word, showing no responsibility, and having no respect for the stage. Will any other troupe ever want you again?" Margaret's attitude reminded her of Desmond. They were both rich and willful, leaving whenever they felt like it."Simple and naïve," Margaret said. "Who waits around miserably, hoping a troupe will hire them? I'm rich enough to start my own troupe. Anyone who comes to dance for me will get five or ten times the salary. The girls leaving with me today will be the founding members. I won't treat them badly.""What a shame!" Rebecca sighed. "You don't truly love dancing.""You're hilarious. Do people from families like ours need to make a living from dance?" Margare