Chapter 4 - The Gala Maneuver
The annual Winter Gala was the pinnacle of the academy’s year. It was where students were scouted by professional companies, and for Vanessa, it was supposed to be her coronation as the lead soloist.
But three days before the gala, the casting was announced.
"The lead role for 'The Swan's Reflection' will be awarded to Emily Carter," Eleanor announced.
The studio erupted in gasps. Vanessa stormed out, her face a mask of white-hot rage. She didn't go home. She went to the office of her father, a man who sat on the academy’s board of directors. She convinced him that Emily was a liability, that her background would embarrass the donors, and that if Vanessa wasn't the lead, the board would withdraw their funding.
The pressure on Charles Whitmore was immense. The other board members were terrified of losing the Blake family’s massive contributions. They scheduled an emergency meeting to force Charles to overturn the casting.
Emily sat outside the boardroom, listening to the muffled voices. She heard her mother’s name mentioned as a punchline. She heard her scholarship being called a "publicity stunt gone wrong."
Charles emerged from the room, his face stern. He saw Emily sitting on the bench.
"They want to cancel you, Emily," he said softly.
"I know," she replied.
May you like
"Are you afraid?"
"I’m more afraid of what happens if I let them win," she said. "If I step down now, I’m saying that people like me aren't allowed to have talent. And that’s a lie I’m tired of hearing."
