Chapter 6

Our eyes met from across the room, and I felt my blood run cold. My hands trembled, unsure where to place them, while a clammy sweat broke out across my palms.

It was Ryan Lowell.

His expression was rigid and severe, devoid of any warmth.

After staring at me for a long moment, he suddenly took a step forward—toward me.

I froze for a few seconds before realizing his intent. My heart pounded wildly, and I immediately turned to leave.

"Fiona, stop! I just want to say two things." His voice was loud and forceful. Afraid he might draw attention, I halted, keeping a safe distance between us.

I crossed my arms defensively. "Stay right there. Don't come any closer!"

Ryan raised his hands in surrender, and only then did I relax slightly.

"Whatever you have to say, make it quick. I'm leaving soon..."

His dark eyes bore into me, his lips twisting into a mocking, threatening smirk. "About what happened yesterday—you'd better keep your mouth shut. If word gets out, it won't end well for anyone."

He paused, then added with deliberate emphasis, "You wouldn’t want to lose your spot in the State Championship, would you?"

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. Chloe’s words echoed in my ears.

That competition meant everything to me. But could I really stay silent just to protect my own interests? Let a predator like him continue lurking in our dance class?

I had escaped this time by sheer luck. Who would be his next victim?

After an intense internal struggle, my conscience won. I couldn’t let this go. Everyone needed to see his true nature.

"Even if I lose my spot, I won’t let a scumbag like you walk free! I’ll make sure everyone knows exactly what you are!"

I shouted the words with all my strength, feeling an immediate rush of relief.

"Go ahead. See who’d believe a kid’s word over mine."

Ryan scoffed, looking at me with condescension before turning and striding away.

Whether I could take him down or not, at least I had done what was right.

Finding the surveillance footage alone would be nearly impossible. Maybe I needed help—someone with more authority to investigate.

The next day, I returned to the dance studio. But attending class was out of the question. Just the thought of seeing Ryan again made me sick.

This time, I was here to see Principal Richard Roland.

The prestigious art training academy had strict policies, but I hoped he would intervene if I reported everything directly.

Principal Roland was kind and approachable, often chatting casually with students. I trusted he would help me.

My thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Fiona, where have you been these past few days?" Raina asked, concerned.

Too much had happened, and Raina wasn’t exactly known for keeping secrets. I couldn’t risk telling her yet.

"I wasn’t feeling well," I lied.

She hesitated, and I could guess what was coming next.

"You’re here about the State Championship, aren’t you?"

Her surprised reaction confirmed it. "You already know?"

My heart sank.

Ryan had kept his word—he’d stripped me of my competition eligibility.

Just then, Ryan himself walked in. His gaze locked onto me, cold and triumphant, as if silently declaring his victory.