LOGINBeside her, Emily narrowed her eyes, studying the masked man. "It's not Desmond, nor my brother."Viola nodded. "That’s right. But where did this rival spring from? Winning Amelia’s heart isn't easy, she's exceptional, and admirers chase her everywhere. Lucas has some fierce competition."“Let's wait and see. It's not over yet," Emily whispered, her fists curling slightly. The man in the clown mask moved like he was dancing, yet every step seemed like a fight to pull Amelia away from Lucas.Lucas’ expression was like stone. He kept dancing while fending off the masked man.Something about the masked man gave off a dangerous air, setting Lucas on edge. There was no way he would let another man take Amelia from him.Under the mask, Amelia’s brows drew together. She quickly guessed who the masked man was, Terrence.His black pupils might have fooled others, but she knew his aggressive aura too well. He must have been wearing colored contact lenses; his real eyes were blue. Even with only
Capture Lucas’ attention? Impossible!Lucas would never take Amelia onto the dance floor.Damian’s stare locked onto Amelia, his grip on the wine glass tightening until the skin across his knuckles blanched.The crowd's expressions were a blend of longing, malice, and covetousness. Several high-society women shared Eve’s sentiment. They imagined Lucas had shifted his preferences, now seeking female company, which allowed those two daring women to claim their moment.Convinced that Lucas had agreed to dance with her, Lorraine felt a rush of elation, nearly breaking into an unrestrained grin beneath the silver mask.If she secured Lucas’ interest, what weight would Desmond carry? In heritage, looks, physique, and business acumen, Lucas was unmatched.Lorraine let her mind drift to her imaginary future life. With Lucas enchanted by her, she wouldn't need to tolerate Xavier’s disapproval or pursue the aloof Desmond. She could crush anyone who dared treat her with disdain, as if grinding a
Sophia feigned surprise. "Isn't that Amelia? Could it be she's trying to invite Mr. Sullivan to dance? How could she be so bold? Doesn't she know Mr. Sullivan despises women who dare to covet any sort of contact with him?"Feigning anxiety, Sophia lightly tugged at Damian sleeve. "Damian, what should we do? If Amelia keeps this up, Mr. Sullivan will have her thrown out."Damian’s irritation flared, her voice, usually sweet and coy, now grated on his ears like a harsh scrape.“Ha!" Eve sneered. "If she gets thrown out, all the better, let's see how she dares to force her way into high society after that disgrace. Everyone knows Mr. Sullivan loathes physical contact, if she insists on courting ruin, she has no one to blame but herself."Damian’s brows drew together as he chided in a low voice, "Eve, don't talk nonsense."“I didn't say anything wrong!" Eve snapped back immediately. She suppressed her temper and leaned in, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Wouldn't it be sat
“You will invite Mr. Sullivan to dance," Lorraine replied. "If he turns you down, you must leave the banquet immediately. But if he accepts, I'll be the one to leave."Inwardly, Lorraine was smirking. She had secured the safer, passive seat of this wager, while Amelia would have to risk walking alone into the jaws of public humiliation.Given Lucas’ cool, untouchable air, Lorraine believed there wasn't the faintest chance Amelia could win. Until now, not a single woman had coaxed Lucas onto the dance floor; every attempt had met with polite dismissal. Even Vickie, practically raised by the Sullivan family, had failed. To this day, no one had ever seen Lucas dance with anyone.“No," Amelia answered, her lips curving faintly, "Not unless you come with me. Whoever succeeds wins. But if neither of us manages it, I'll admit defeat."Lorraine hesitated, the thought of joining Amelia clearly distasteful. Yet, if she refused, Amelia wouldn't agree to the challenge. After a brief inner debate,
“You silly woman!" Desmond ground out each word, his voice tight with frustration.Before he could recover, Lucas’ hands pressed even harder, forcing another grimace out of him.“That's it! No more massaging!" Desmond tried to jerk his arm back. "I'm going to find Margot, she's probably missing me." In truth, he hadn't seen Margot since arriving at the Sullivan estate. She was the perfect excuse to escape Lucas’ grip.“Yes, that's enough," Amelia said, her tone soft. "He's going to see Margot. Let's not keep him."Lucas let go without protest, but not without that faintly disdainful look that made Desmond’s blood boil.Gritting his teeth, Desmond jabbed a finger at Lucas. "I'll go see Margot first, and then I'll settle this with you later."Desmond resolved that once he saw Margot, he'd make sure she heard his side of the story.He turned to Amelia. "I'll find you later." With that, he strode off.Watching his retreat, Amelia chuckled. "He's really like a kid. It's nice to have so much
"Not a big deal, just scraped my hand a bit." Trying to play it cool, Desmond lifted his hand, showing off the reddened knuckles.“Why'd you get into a fight?" Amelia frowned, her gaze fixed on his hand. "Did someone insult you?" She knew Desmond wasn't the type to start anything, so someone must've provoked him first.“Yeah." Desmond nodded. He didn't want her to know that the young man had badmouthed her. No point in making her upset over idiots like that.“Good for you. If someone's running their mouth, punch 'em. As long as you win, nothing else matters." Amelia gave him a light shove from behind. "Come on, let me put some ointment on your hand."Desmond, grinning like a fool, was caught off guard and nearly stumbled. "Ah! You brute! Why are you pushing me? Couldn't you just hold my hand?”“Shut it. I'm taking you to treat your hand."“Even if you are, why push me? Can't you be a little gentler?" he muttered, dramatically. "Heartless woman… If I help you again, I'll be a damn fool.
At this point, Amelia was tired of going back and forth with Damian.But he was still holding onto her hand.Furiously, she grabbed his wrist and twisted hard.Amelia moved swiftly, in one seamless motion, she flipped Damian over her shoulder and slammed him onto the ground.Everyone around them gas
Sophia was touched by Damian’s words. She buried her face in his chest as she regretted the fact that she left him before.“Damian, I will never leave your side again. I will be with you forever. I hope you understand why I left before, my grandfather made me. I never truly wanted to leave you.”Sop
“I still think Amelia is the one going after different men and not the other way around. I mean, what’s so great about her that a man would want to chase her?” Lilian scoffed, her voice sharp with irritation. “I can bet on it that she must have successfully seduced that owner and must be letting him
“I had no choice but to marry you!” Damian argued, strongly. “Not marrying you back then would mean losing my place in the company.”“I guess the company is more important than your supposedly strong love then.” Amelia snarled.Lilian suddenly barged into the conversation, bristling with indignation







