Claimed by My First Love’s Brother Novel

Chapter 18 Reynaldo's Presence I thought I saw Reynaldo ! I quickly turned my head and looked around in the audience , but I couldn't find him . My imagination might have played tricks on me . Reynaldo was in Steelville right now . There was no way he could be here . While I was lost in thought , the music started up . I had been dancing for twenty years . As soon as the music hit , I got into the groove .

I told Johnathan it was gonna be a regular modern dance , but I knew the crowd loved some hip - swaying , so I threw in a few extra moves . The cheers were loud . Then I thought about my dad's 1.05 million debt and my mom's tearful face . I danced even harder , hoping to get the most votes . A few minutes later , the music stopped and the dance was over . The cheering and clapping wouldn't stop . I bowed to the audience and headed backstage .

There , I could tell the other girls were looking at me differently . Chapter 18 Reynaldo's Presence At first , they gave me these looks like I was nothing , all full of scorn and jealousy , thinking I got in through connections . But now , their eyes held a hint of surprise and admiration , like they didn't expect I could actually dance . Soon , Johnathan strode in , his face beaming with excitement as he said to me , " Hey , Esmie , your dance was amazing ! I didn't know you were this good !

" I smiled at him , being humble . Then he got closer , his face smirky and cheeky . " You've got such great looks and talent . Why would you even come to this gala ? " Just put on that outfit and dance for Reynaldo , and he'd give you way more than 500 thousand dollars . Like , 5 million ! " I stared at him , speechless . He sure knew how to stretch the truth . About ten minutes later , it was time for the voting . Each contestant's photo and number were up on the huge screen . I was No. 36 .

When the host said it was time to vote , the numbers under each contestant started ticking up . Everyone in the audience could only vote once . Whoever got the most . votes would be the champion of this Dance Gala and win 500 thousand dollars . I was glued to the screen . " I thought to myself , " If I weren't hard up , I'd have to be out of my mind to come to this crazy gala . " But I asked him nervously , " You don't mean we have to split the money , do you ? " Johnathan clicked his tongue .

" Come on , give us some credit . If there are two first places , both winners get 500 thousand dollars . Splitting it would be lame . " Hearing that , I felt a lot better . When I got up on stage , Amelia was chatting it up with the audience . Her sweet smile and cute , flirty voice were totally winning over the crowd . I stood there awkwardly , hoping the host would hurry up and give out the awards . Thankfully , he came over quickly .

He stood between me and Amelia and said with a grin , " I'm gonna announce that these two are tied for first place , and they're gonna each get … " " Wait ! " Just then , a deep , strong voice cut through from the audience . My heart jolted because I knew it was Reynaldo . Lautomatically looked down at the audience . A tall guy slowly stepped out from the shadows in the back . He had a cold , serious look in his eyes , and he seemed intimidating .

11 I stared blankly at him , with a chill down my spine . I clenched my fists without even realizing it . Wasn't he supposed to be on a business trip in Steelville ? Why was he here ? Didn't he say he didn't care about this stuff ? So why did he show up ? All these questions were running through my head , and they turned into . growing fear . Reynaldo was a big deal in the business world , and he had this natural way of making people feel a little scared .

As soon as he spoke , the whole place went dead silent . The host froze for a second , then quickly put on an ingratiating smile . " Oh , it's Mr. Humphrey ! Why didn't you tell us you were coming ? We could've saved you the best seat ! " Reynaldo didn't say anything . He kept staring at me with his cold eyes . I instinctively took a couple of steps back , my hands getting all sweaty . Then , out of nowhere , Johnathan popped out from backstage . He smiled at Reynaldo .

" Hey , we're in the middle of the awards . Can't you wait till it's over ? " " Awards ? " Reynaldo gave a little laugh . " The rankings aren't even decided yet . What awards are you talking about ? " My heart sank . Johnathan looked puzzled . " What do you mean ? They're tied for first , right ? " Chapter 10 Reynaldo's Presence Reynaldo gave me a chilly smile . " I haven't voted yet . " Just like that , the room got stirred up . The host chimed in , " So Mr. Humphrey hasn't voted yet !

Perfect timing ! If he casts that key vote for either No. 27 or No. 36 , we'll know who's first , right ? " I stood there , totally stiff , looking at Reynaldo . Was he gonna vote for Amelia ? And if he did , what was I supposed to do ? In two days , those casino guys were gonna come knocking on my dad's door for the debt . My brother hadn't got back to me . If I didn't get the money , what was gonna happen to my dad ? What about my family ? My mind was spinning .

Right then , I was feeling pretty ticked off at Reynaldo . I was tied for first with Amelia , which meant I could get 500 thousand dollars . Why did he have to come out of nowhere and throw a wrench in the works ? When I was stressed out , Johnathan leaned in next to me and said with a smirk , " I didn't know Reynaldo would show up like this . You think he'll vote for you ? " I clenched my fists and didn't say anything . Meanwhile , Amelia was flirting with Reynaldo , acting all sweet .

She giggled . " Mr. Humphrey , I've heard so much about you ! You look even better in person than on TV . " Johnathan nudged my arm and whispered , " You should flirt with him too , or give him a compliment . If he votes for Amelia , you're gonna be outta luck . " ས