The next day after school, Juniper spontaneouslypleted a physics worksheet. Keith was so thrilled that he convinced thenguage arts teacher to grant her a leave of absence. With her hard-won pass in hand, Juniper strolled out of school, leaving thenguage arts teacher wondering if Keith needed a psychiatric evaluation. The old man was practically aiding and abetting the enemy.


    When Juniper arrived at the Era Media dance studio, she found only a few scattered dancers. Clearly, not everyone had shown up, even though she double-checked the time Rachel had sent.


    "I wonder when Mr. Tate ising back," one of the girls said, ignoring Juniperpletely. "Times have really changed. Just anyone can star in an MV these days."


    "Well, she''s got skills, you know," a short-haired girl chimed in, shooting Juniper a look of pure disgust. "When you''re pretty and know how to y the game, you can get anything you want."


    "Exactly," a long-haired girl sneered, her re sharp and mocking. "Mr. Tate is pouring a fortune into this MV to find his lost sister. Does this person really think a fancy title can cover up all the filthy things she''s done? She should take a good look at herself. Does she really think she''s worthy of portraying someone so precious?"


    "She should just leave now if she knows what''s good for her. When Mr. Tate finds out she''s tainted his tribute to his sister..."


    The girls exchanged knowing smirks. Everyone knew Jimmie was cold and ruthless, a madman when it came to anything concerning his sister. All Lunar''s dancing skills wouldn''t save her then; she wouldn''t even know what hit her.


    Juniper listened to their chatter, her brow furrowing slightly. So that was it. They thought she was unworthy of the role because her reputation didn''t fit the pure image of the ''sister.''


    As the sister in question, she found the whole thing rather ironic.


    "It seems you all feel it''s beneath you to be my backup dancers," Juniper said coolly, not bothering to exin herself. She stuffed her hands in her pockets. "I''ll give you a choice. Those who want to stay can stay. Those who don''t can leave right now."


    Originally, she thought the MV would be better without backup dancers anyway. It was only because Rachel had mentioned this group had trained abroad for two years specifically for this project that she''d agreed. Now, it seemed she''d been too considerate.


    "It''s not your call to make!" one of the dancers snapped, standing up and storming out.


    "Yeah, we''ll see who''s the one leaving!"


    With a leader to follow, the other dancers strutted out, heads held high. They were certain thepany couldn''t rece them on such short notice.


    Besides, Elvira was waiting right outside to tell Mr. Tate the truth as soon as he arrived. Once he knew, Juniper would be thrown out on the street. They''d see how smug she was then.


    Soon, only one dancer remained.


    Juniper looked at the girl cowering in the corner. "Why didn''t you leave?"


    "Master Lunar, I''m a fan of yours," the girl whispered, looking up timidly. "I don''t believe any of the things they were saying."


    She had followed Master Lunar for years and felt she knew her character. A choreographer whose work sold for fortunes didn''t need to rely on men for money. As for that Ynda, she seemed like bad news from the start. She didn''t believe a word of her.


    "And if you ask me, you look a lot like Mr. Tate. More than..." The girl paused. "More than Elvira. You''re a much better fit for the role."