Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 526

For instance, she insisted on changing moves in *Forest Lullaby*, a piece that was already well-established.

At first, Emma listened seriously to her suggestions, open to improving the production. But she soon realized that Isla wasn't offering constructive feedback; she was just looking for trouble.

Emma might spend a whole day, or even a night, pondering one of Isla's suggestions, but Isla would fire off five or six new ones within that same day. Before Emma could even process the first, a cascade of others would follow.

Then Emma understood.

Gradually, other dancers began coming to her, reporting Isla's behavior within the group. They said she was constantly belittling others for their dancing or would 'accidentally' bump into them during practice.

So, after one rehearsal, Emma asked Isla to stay behind for a talk.

Isla was incredibly arrogant. Even though Emma's intention was clear, she held her swan-like neck high, looking at Emma with utter disdain.

Emma spoke to her candidly. "Isla, I know you're very talented. But since we're part of a team, could I ask you to prioritize the group's best interests?"

Isla scoffed. "What? I'm surrounded by a bunch of amateurs. Am I supposed to dumb myself down to their level?"

"Isla," Emma's brow furrowed. "Is it right for you to degrade your teammates like that?"

"What's wrong with it? I just tell it like it is," she snapped. "And that includes you. I thought this was some amazing dance company, with a director who was a legend in the dance world. Turns out it's all just an undeserved reputation!"

Taking someone else's work? Kicking out the original creator?

Emma wasn't about to accept such a heavy accusation.

"Isla, you need to be very clear about what you're saying. Whose work did I take? Making baseless accusations is slander!" Emma said sternly.

Isla laughed coldly. "Do I really need to spell it out for you? Your foot used to be lame. A cripple, choreographing a dance? How did you manage that? You just waited until someone else did all the work, reaped the benefits, kicked them out, and took the lead role for yourself. Having scum like you in our dance world is a disgrace!"

"Who are you talking about? Be specific! Whose choreography did I steal?" Emma's *Forest Lullaby* had been her creation from the very beginning. She knew every dancer involved. Only a few had left the company, and Isla surely wouldn't call a corps de ballet member the original creator. That left only two people: Sebastian and Faith.