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Simon chuckled, letting the beat guide his movements. Their steps fell into sync naturally, effortless yet intimate, as if the music itself had chosen them to dance together. The world around them, the teasing, the gossip, even the lingering tensions faded into the background, leaving only the thrum of the bass and the heat of the moment.Simon leaned closer, voice low over the music. “I think we might be hitting it off just fine.”Mara’s eyes sparkled, a mixture of amusement and challenge. “Is that so? Guess we’ll see how well you can keep up.”The two moved as one, spinning and swaying, the energy between them growing with each beat. Laughter, subtle touches, and fleeting glances turned the dance into a silent conversation, one full of sparks that didn’t need words.Nevertheless, the music swelled, but Cleopatra’s hesitation was palpable.“No I can’t dance,” she murmured, her voice barely above the melody. “I’ve tried… and I’m never any good at it. I don’t want to embarrass myself.”
Everyone was already seated around the dining table for breakfast, the soft clink of cutlery and low murmurs filling the room. The chairs at the head remained empty Calvin and Cleopatra had yet to appear. Guinevere sat quietly among the others, her posture stiff as she toyed with the edge of her napkin. Her eyes were still swollen from crying the night before, faint redness lingering despite her effort to appear composed. She kept her gaze on her plate, avoiding the curious glances that occasionally flicked her way, while the uneasy silence made the absence of Calvin and Cleopatra feel even heavier.“Isn’t Cleopatra having breakfast?” Spencer asked quietly, leaning slightly toward Simon.Simon paused, studying him for a brief moment before replying, his tone calm but probing. “Why are you concerned about her?”Spencer shifted in his seat. “Umm… she left dinner early, and I didn’t see her at all after that last night.”Simon’s lips curved into a knowing smirk. “Stop beating around the
Cleopatra glanced at him briefly before giving a small nod.“Sure.”Carefully, almost reverently, Calvin drew her into his arms. His arm wrapped around her small frame, pulling her against his chest. The embrace was firm but gentle, protective rather than possessive.For several minutes, neither of them spoke.The quiet in the room felt heavy, yet comforting.Calvin rested his chin lightly against the top of her head as he held her, his hand slowly rubbing her back in soothing circles.“Cleo,” he murmured after a while, his voice low and steady. “You’re doing well. Better than you think.”His fingers tightened slightly around her shoulder.“You’re strong. Stronger than most people would be after everything you’ve been through.”He paused, choosing his words carefully.“Your parents would be proud of you.”A subtle tremor passed through her body.Calvin continued softly, his voice filled with quiet sincerity.“And I want you to understand something, the accident wasn’t your fault. What
“Sure if you insist, fairy,” Calvin replied casually.He took the plate from Lila’s hands and set it neatly on the dining table before gesturing toward her seat. “You can go back and sit.”A ripple of quiet shock spread across the table.Everyone had witnessed it, the way Cleopatra had effortlessly taken control of the moment, bending the atmosphere to her will. Everyone except Katie, Guinevere, and Simon looked stunned.Guinevere’s lips curved into a thin smile.“I wonder why a guest would want to serve so desperately,” she said, her tone dripping with mock sweetness. “You should leave that for the maids. After all, a guest should remain a guest.”Lila’s brows knitted as she observed the hostility laced in Guinevere’s words.“Even if someone is a guest,” Lila said calmly, “there’s nothing wrong with lending a helping hand. It’s certainly better than sitting there wrapped in pride under the pretense of being a guest.”Guinevere scoffed, the sound sharp and dismissive.“Sometimes peopl
“Mr. Calvin,” she said, tilting her head slightly, letting the sunlight catch her hair, “it’s such an honor to meet you.”Her gaze lingered a fraction longer than necessary, a teasing sparkle in her eyes as she extended her hand.Calvin’s gaze slid past her, locked on Cleopatra as he shook Lila’s hand once, firm but distracted.“The honor’s mine,” he said smoothly, his attention clearly elsewhere.“Please excuse me.”Calvin said smoothly.Without another word, he walked down the aisle and settled beside Cleopatra, the subtle authority in his movements drawing attention without effort.“Why didn’t you text me? You’re still going on this trip,” he asked, his tone calm but edged with curiosity.“I never changed my mind about not coming,” Cleopatra replied, her voice sharp and cold, her gaze fixed straight ahead.Calvin’s hand brushed lightly against the armrest as he leaned slightly closer. “You should be resting, not traveling. I’ve arranged a professional therapist for you,” he said, hi
“Hello? Colder, aren’t you coming? We’re already settled in the jet,” Katie said over the phone, her voice carrying a playful impatience.Calvin stretched his leg onto the small stool before him, leaning back lazily in his chair. “So it’s already time to fly to Eban for the birthday celebration,” he replied coolly. “Go ahead and enjoy yourselves.”“But you promised you’d come,” Katie grumbled.“The project just started,” Calvin answered calmly. “I don’t think I can leave right now.”Before Katie could respond, another voice echoed faintly through the phone.“No, Cleo don’t put it there.”Calvin’s relaxed posture stiffened instantly.“What?” he asked sharply. “Cleo is going too?”“Yes,” Katie replied casually. “We’re all going.”There was a brief pause.Then Calvin spoke again, his tone suddenly decisive. “Tell the pilot to wait until I get there.”Without another word, he ended the call.Moments later, he strode down the hallway toward the guest room. Reaching the door, he knocked on
Pheebs’ soft laughter chimed through the room as she scrolled on her phone, her smile bright and smug.“Didn’t I tell you?” she said sweetly, tilting the screen toward them. “The internet is buzzing with Sabrina and Xander’s photos. Four days just four days and look at the traffic. Look at the sale
One of the decorators’ hands tightened around Cleopatra’s shoulder, grounding her in the moment.“If Guinevere were even half this stunning, we’d all be doomed,” someone murmured from the shadows, their voice a mix of awe and reluctant relief. “Thank God she isn’t.”Joss’s smile faded into somethin
Cleopatra stepped out of the taxi, slowly lifting her head as her breath caught at the sight of the towering INK Model skyscraper before her. Gleaming beneath the sky, its exotic design and flawless structure seemed to embody both elegance and ambition. For a moment, she simply stood there, mesmeri
A week later, Cleopatra jolted awake by a message from Katie, summoning her to the INK Model Company. She rose at once and freshened up. Midway through breakfast, her gaze drifted to the wardrobe she had already inspected; nothing inside would truly make her shine.Once she finished her meal, she r







