The CEO's Regret: His Lost Wife's Secret Twins novel Chapter 152

Chapter 152

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“That must be Aurora’s mommy!’

The child’s innocent words hit the room with explosive force.

I said nothing about Aurora’s innocent comment, merely offering the slightest curl of my lip. Because I knew Aria wasn’t pregnant – she couldn’t have children. Something warm and unfamiliar stirred in my chest. Whatever this feeling was, I didn’t have time to deal with it

now.

Emma exhaled with obvious relief, but her fingers remained twisted together in her lap. The tension in her shoulders told me everything 1

needed to know.

“Ms. Grant,” I said, keeping my voice deliberately cold. “Where exactly in the competition rules does it state that participants must perform classical pieces? Even in the children’s division, shouldn’t we be encouraging creativity?”

Her eyes widened. She hadn’t expected me to call her out publicly.

“I… This matter was perhaps handled poorly,” Emma admitted, her face a mixture of embarrassment and resentment. She turned to Aurora, her voice syrupy sweet but her eyes cold as ice. “Aurora, Emma auntie’s sorry. Wanna try again, sweetie?”

Aurora completely ignored her. The child didn’t even glance in Emma’s direction. For a three-year-old, her stubborn expression showed

remarkable backbone.

I bent down and took Aurora’s tiny hand in mine. “Hey Aurora, wanna dance again?” I found myself speaking in a tone I barely recognized – gentle, almost tender.

She looked up at me with bright, intelligent eyes. “Aurora only did half before. Aurora wants to show everybody the whole dance.”

‘I’ll be right there watching,” I said, offering her a small smile. “Don’t worry. Just dance the way you do at home.”

Aurora took her position center stage. The music began, and this tiny girl transformed before our eyes. Her control and expressiveness defied her age. Her movements blended modern dance, classical ballet, and pure imagination. The audience sat transfixed.

Three years old. How was this even possible? Her talent was… extraordinary.

As I watched, something nagged at the back of my mind. Her movements had a familiar quality that resonated deep within me. The way she extended her arms, the graceful tilt of her head where had I seen that before? It was maddening, sitting there with fragments of memory just beyond my grasp.

The other audience members were equally captivated. The woman next to me clutched her program so tightly it crumpled in her hands.

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Chapter 152

When she finished with a perfect bow, her small face flushed from effort, the audience erupted. Several people jumped to their feet,

applauding wildly. Comments flew from all directions:

Aurora, that was amazing!”

“Unbelievable!”

“This child has a gift!”

One of the senior judges, an elderly woman with decades of dance experience, leaned forward. “Aurora, sweetie, who was the beautiful

lady in your dance? Who were you thinking about?”

“My mommy!” Aurora answered without hesitation, her voice crystal clear through the auditorium.

The room quieted. I found myself holding my breath.

“My mommy is gentle as an angel, Aurora continued in her childish way. “She’s nice to everybody. She don’t treat people bad ’cause of their jobs. My mommy is brave and strong.”

Aurora started telling how her mother stayed up all night when she and William were sick. My chest tightened painfully. Something wasn’t right. I couldn’t explain why her words hit me so hard.

“For real,” Aurora announced to the cameras, “Mommy isn’t just mommy to us. She’s our angel who keeps us safe!”

The audience and judges were visibly moved. Many wiped tears. One judge commented, “How on earth are there such brave and sweet

children in this world?”

I glanced at Emma. Her nails dug so deeply into her palms I thought she might draw blood. Her face was rigid with jealousy.

Emma suddenly stood. “Aurora’s performance was truly touching,” she announced, her voice carrying across the hall. “However, as a professional dancer, I must point out the choreography lacks technical maturity. While impressive for her age, it unfortunately won’t qualify for a top position.”

The temperature in the room seemed to drop. Before I knew what I was doing, I was on my feet.

“I completely disagree,” I stated firmly. “Aurora’s choreography is the most moving I’ve seen, second only to yours, Emma.’ The sarcasm in my voice was unmistakable. “The video speaks for itself – she’s clearly excellent. She absolutely deserves first place in her age group.”

The audience burst into applause, silently backing my position. I heard murmurs of agreement all around me. ‘He’s right, someone whispered. “That child deserves the top prize.”

Emma’s face contorted with rage. “Blake,” she seethed, ‘you’re just a spectator. You don’t understand professional dance standards. I am a professional judge.”

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Chapter 152

Professional judges should remain objective, I countered. “Your personal bias is showing.”

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This wasn’t about dance anymore. Emma was using her position to settle some personal score. I’d seen this kind of pettiness in business

countless times, but targeting a child? That crossed a line even I wouldn’t touch.

Emma spoke up bluntly, “Look, Aurora’s trying hard, but her technique is sloppy and her routine looks like kid stuff. Seventh or eighth

place, tops.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Olivia nearly faint with anger. She stormed toward Emma. “You’re trying to tank my Aurora’s score

on purpose!*

“As I explained,” Emma replied coolly, “I’m making a professional assessment. You simply aren’t qualified to understand it.”

The room fell silent. Tension filled the air. The other judges, though clearly agreeing Aurora deserved first place, remained silent because

Emma was the head judge.

Emma smiled, victorious and ready to announce her decision.

“So Ms.Grant,” a commanding female voice cut through the silence, “are you suggesting that I – a dance veteran of thirty years and chief judge of this competition – have no right to question your judgment?”

Everyone stood respectfully as Nina Levine, the legendary American dance icon, entered the room.

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