Reborn as the Villainess

Chapter 52

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Gloria, of course, noticed Victor's reaction. Standing on her tiptoes, she lifted her chin and walked off the stage proudly, as if she were already the winner. As she walked past Eleanor, she mocked, "You can sit this one out. I've already won."

Just then, the host's voice echoed through the speakers. "Contestant number 45, please also perform the ballet piece 'Swan Lake." It was the same song Gloria had danced to.

However, Eleanor didn't rush to take the stage. Instead, she turned to Gloria and sneered, "Is that so? Then, remember how you feel right now because it won't last for long." It was only after saying that that she turned to head on stage. Seeing Eleanor's arrogant attitude, Gloria stomped her foot angrily and thought irritably, 'Has she even seen a ballet before? Has she ever learned it? How dare she talk to me like that? Just wait. I'll see who ends up embarrassed in a minute!' Eleanor gazed through her glasses at the packed audience below-students and teachers alike filled every seat in the auditorium.

She had drawn the last slot, and by now, the school day was over so curious students had run over to watch the auditions. Fortunately, she had faced much bigger crowds in her past life, so seeing so many people now didn't make her nervous at all.

As the music began, Eleanor rose on her tiptoes, spinning gracefully to the rhythm that was etched into her very bones. Her arms and body swayed fluidly, and for a moment, it felt as though she had returned to the expansive dance studio from her previous life, where her mentor had patiently guided her while she spun, following each move her teacher had taught her.

Janey's eyes widened as she watched Eleanor spin elegantly on stage. "Holy crap... Eleanor's really been hiding her talent, huh? This is practically otherworldly."

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Liam, who was sitting next to Janet, was clapping so hard his hands were almost raw. "Damn! That's amazing! Damn! That's beautiful! Damn! That's badass!" His limited vocabulary was fully on display at that moment. Felix, who had somehow ended up standing in the corner of the auditorium, gazed at the radiant Eleanor on stage, his eyes filled with admiration.

Just as the music reached its halfway point, when ribbons were supposed to be released on stage, a sudden burst of black fiquid splattered everywhere, staining the floor and Eleanor's white tutu. It stood out glaringly. The entire audience was instantly stunned, and a murmur of chatter broke out.

"What in the world is that?" someone exclaimed.

"It's all black and gross-looking," another person replied.

"It must be ink. Look, the floor's stained black too!" another person chimed in.

Liam shot up

from his seat. "What the hell? Who did that?"

Seeing him so worked up, Janet quickly grabbed his arm to stop him. "Don't be rash. Don't make things harder for Eleanor."

Liam protested, "But-"

"No buts! If you rush up there now, the whole thing will turn into a stage disaster. The director will lose it. Trust me, Eleanor will find a way to handle this," Janet said firmly.

Though her words were confident, Janet's whole body was trembling with anger. She didn't dare react, fearing she'd push Eleanor further into the spotlight. All she could do was pray that Eleanor could turn this crisis around.

At that moment, Eleanor, who had suddenly been drenched in black ink on stage, froze in place. She wondered, 'Weren't they supposed to throw ribbons? How did it turn into ink?' However, she wasn't stupid. It only took her a second to figure out who was behind this cheap trick...

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12:43 Sat, Nov 20

Chapter 52

She thought, 'No wonder Gloria was bragging to my face earlier. She was just waiting for this moment!'

When Eleanor looked up, her eyes met Gloria's backstage. Gloria's sinister and mocking smile screamed victory as if to say, "Let's see what do now."

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Eleanor let out a sneer, curling her lips slightly and raising an eyebrow. 'How childish,' she mused. 'You really think this petty move is enough to beat me?'

The music kept playing. Eleanor was supposed to twirl at that moment, but she stopped, slowly lowering her shoulders, and her dance softened. A deep sadness seemed to envelop her.

Meanwhile, Victor's screenwriter, who had been watching the ridiculous stage mishap, lost interest. He frowned and said, "Victor, let's go. I think Number 44 danced perfectly. She's a great fit for the role. We don't need to watch Number 45."

The screenwriter thought to himself, 'In such an important event, using ink like this is nothing but a disgrace to ballet. But Victor suddenly raised a hand, stopping him. "Wait. Let's keep watching."

Victor's sharp eyes narrowed slightly as he focused on the stage. He could sense something had changed in the student's performance. It was then he realized that she was no longer dancing to "Swan Lake". She was dancing to "The Dying Swan". Despite the cheerful "Swan Lake" music, Eleanor's movements and presence forced a somber tone into the routine. The entire dance became steeped in the sorrow of death. The black ink that stained her costume now seemed to add depth to her performance as if the audience were witnessing the swan's life slowly slipping away.

Just when everyone thought Eleanor would continue following the tragic rhythm of "The Dying Swan" until the end, something unexpected happened. The swan, lying on the ground, suddenly seemed to catch a glimpse of hope. It leaped up. spinning and struggling, fighting off the claws of death and the filth of the earth, desperately flying toward the light. It was reborn!

At last, dawn broke, and the swan completed its transformation. The white costume turned black, and it successfully emerged from the mire, soaring into the sky. The black ink stains now resembled badges of its rebirth.

At some point, Eleanor had removed her glasses, which had been stained with ink. Her thick bangs, now wet from the ink, were pinned behind her ears, revealing her stunningly beautiful face to everyone.

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The music stopped, the dance ended, and the entire hall fell silent. Everyone was utterly stunned by the visual spectacle before them as if they were afraid that if they spoke, the girl who was as elegant and graceful as a real swan might truly fly away.

Finally, someone suddenly started clapping, followed by a whistle and a loud shout. "Campus Queen!"

The previously quiet hall erupted into chaos. Applause, cheers, and whistles filled the air, but the chants were surprisingly unified. "Campus Queen! Campus Queen! Campus Queen!"

One voice shouted, "Holy crap... Who was it that said the top student, Eleanor was ugly? Come here and get smacked!" Another chimed in, "With that face, that vibe, and that body? Being the campus queen seems almost beneath her!" "Mom, I think I've fallen in love!" another person cried out.

Someone else yelled, "Quick, slap me! I swear I just saw an angel descend to earth. Did she just smile at me?"

Another responded, "Get lost! Do you honestly think she smiled at you? Go take a look at your face full of acne in the mirror before you say that again!"

At that moment, Eleanor felt like she was witnessing the same kind of passionate enthusiasm that she'd seen at her peak during her past life. She flashed a charming sm

Chapter 52

She was more than satisfied with the visual impact she had created, especially when she caught sight of Gloria in the back. looking so furious she might pass out. Eleanor smiled even more brightly.

Just as she was about to bow and leave the stage, Victor suddenly raised his hand to stop her. "Wait a minute, young lady. I've got a few questions for you."

ile, her alluring eyes