Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 346

The dance teacher’s name was Abbey Hargrove. A few days ago, Selene had borrowed her phone from the head teacher to talk to Abbey about Daph.

Selene had made it clear—she didn’t want the dance teacher body-shaming the children. Abbey’s response on the phone had been noncommittal at best.

Later, Selene reached out to Claudia, this year’s assistant for the dance performance. When Claudia assured her that Daph had been outstanding in rehearsals, Selene’s worries eased—if only a little.

But now, hearing Abbey’s words, Daph’s guilt was plain. She lowered her head, her chubby fingers clutching Selene’s sleeve.

Selene glanced at her daughter, her heart clenching painfully.

“Miss Hargrove, the reason for the mishap on stage was the floorboards cracking. This platform’s been here for over twenty years, and look—there are holes in the wood, clear signs of termites. Right now, fixing the stage should be our top priority. We need to make sure nothing like this happens again.”

Selene hadn’t even finished before Abbey cut in.

“As Daph’s mother, you’re biased. You can’t see how out of place she looks in the group. Daph just isn’t suited for ballet. She’s heavy-footed, and I already told Monica’s mother that Daph shouldn’t attempt the fouetté turns. When she spins twelve times, it’s like watching a spinning top—just a round, dizzy blur. What’s the difference?”

Abbey planted her hands on her hips, blowing a stray lock of hair away from her nose in exasperation.

Daph couldn’t contain herself any longer. “I know you don’t like me, Miss Hargrove.”

Abbey forced a gentle smile, her voice dripping with feigned sweetness. “Daph, how could I not like you? You just weren’t born for this—your body isn’t right for ballet, and maybe your mother should help you with that. I’m only thinking of everyone’s best interests. I don’t want one person dragging down the whole class’s performance.”

Claudia stepped in, “Actually, I think Daph is the highlight of this piece. With her on stage, Class One might just place in the top three at the recital.”

A sneer flickered in Abbey’s eyes. “Monica’s mother, you may have been the star at the Capital City Theater, but this is your first time assisting with Class One. I’ve been teaching here three years. Every class I’ve led has taken first place at the recital. When it comes to training these kids, I have more experience than you.”

Abbey glanced down at Clarissa, who stood just offstage. The only reason she’d been given perks this year was because, for three years running, her routines had won first place. Clarissa had reciprocated by making sure Penelope got the lead.

Just days ago, Clarissa had noticed Claudia adding extra moves to Daph’s routine; she’d grown anxious that Daph might overshadow Penelope. Their eyes met now, and Clarissa shot Abbey a meaningful look.

Abbey understood perfectly: Daph needed to drop out of the performance. If Daph withdrew, Penelope would shine unchallenged.

Abbey knelt down, her tone soft as velvet. “You’ve torn your costume, lost your headpiece, and now you’ve cracked the stage floor. Daph, if something really goes wrong on stage, the whole class will suffer for it. The others have been working so hard—Penelope’s even thrown up from sheer exhaustion. If you step down, Class One will be sure to win first place. But if you don’t, well, I won’t force you. Just know it won’t be just me—every kid and every parent will be holding their breath, hoping nothing goes wrong because of you.”

She pressed her hands to her chest, brow furrowed, biting her lip—giving Daph the full force of her pitiful gaze, as if she’d burst into tears if Daph didn’t agree.

*

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