A Dance of Deception

Once you had him, you had to hold on tight.

William turned to Grace and asked, "How's the contact with Mr. Martins Brown going?"

Martins Brown, whose family had built its fortune in coal mining, had since become a powerful investor. He had helped William's company expand rapidly, allowing it to compete with the Anderson family.

But Martins Brown had a special hobby—one that had even led to someone's death. To please him, William and Grace planned to send Isabella to him as a gift once she divorced Ethan.

Grace smirked. "Mr. Brown said he's waiting for good news."

For three years, Martins had been obsessed with Isabella, unable to forget about her. His obsession was so strong that he had to come to the Wilson family house with loads of gifts just to please Isabella and her parents.

William hesitated. "Will Isabella agree to it?"

Grace rolled her eyes. "Who cares if she agrees or not? Once she's divorced, we'll be her only family, which means we have the right to make decisions for her. As her uncle and aunt, finding her a wealthy boyfriend is doing her a favor which she has to be thankful for. Maybe she is secretly happy about it and can't wait to celebrate."

Both William and Chloe nodded in agreement.

Grace snorted. "That is exactly why the Anderson family invited us here tonight—to remind everyone that we and Isabella are still family."

William's expression darkened as realization hit. "The Anderson's seem kind on the surface, but they always have hidden agendas they shouldn't be trusted. No wonder they treated my elder brother that way back then."

At that moment, Chloe sneered. "That's because Isabella wasn't capable enough to capture Ethan's heart. If it were me, I never would've been kicked out like that!"

On the other side of the banquet hall, Ethan was busy socializing when he suddenly caught sight of Isabella. She was chatting and laughing with James.

Isabella, surprised to see him, smiled. "Hello there James? When did you get here?"

"I've been here since the beginning of the celebration," James replied, his lips curving into a smile. "I happened to see you playing the piano. It was beautiful. I didn't know you had that talent."

Isabella laughed, a little embarrassed. "I just learned recently."

James leaned in slightly. "Are you free tomorrow? There's something I need to talk to you about—regarding the Wilson Villa."

Isabella's expression shifted. She had been meaning to find out who had sold her family's property.

"Okay, let's meet at Valley View Cafe at ten tomorrow," she agreed.

James's eyes lit up. "You still remember Valley View?"

It was where they'd had their first date six years ago.

Isabella hesitated for a moment before shrugging. "Uh… yeah… mostly because their coconut pudding is delicious."

---

Nearby, Emma gasped theatrically. "Wait… James was Isabella's first love? And are they… trying to rekindling their old flame?"

Her words caused a stir, and soon, everyone turned to look at Ethan.

His expression darkened. Without another word, he strode over and grabbed Isabella's wrist, yanking her away.

"What are you doing?" Isabella frowned, struggling. "You're hurting me!"

Ethan's grip was so strong that it felt as if he might crush her wrist. Only once they were alone did he finally release her.

His voice was cold. "If you want to find a man, at least pay attention to the occasion. Flirting in public only disgraces the Anderson family."

Isabella was so furious she could vomit blood. "Flirting? We were just talking. If your mind is in the gutter, that's on you."

"Isabella!"

Ethan was on the verge of losing control.

Suddenly, a beam of light shone down on them, and soft music began to play. They looked up in confusion.

It turned out there was a ballroom dance scheduled for the evening, and they were now standing at the very center of the dance floor.

The host, momentarily stunned, quickly recovered and announced, "Let's have Mr. and Mrs. Anderson open the dance!"

With so many guests watching, they had no choice but to go along with it.

Isabella sighed and took Ethan's arm, whispering, "Let's just dance."

Ethan's gaze flickered toward James, who was watching from the crowd. Smirking, Ethan wrapped an arm around Isabella's waist and pulled her close.

They began a passionate tango. Their movements were perfectly synchronized, as if they had rehearsed countless times before.

For the final pose, Isabella fell into Ethan's arms. He leaned in, his lips inches from hers.

But at the last second, Isabella turned her head.

Instead of her lips, his kiss landed on her cold earlobe.

Ethan's expression remained unreadable, but his eyes darkened, his emotions sinking deeper and deeper.

---

As the banquet concluded, Chloe approached Isabella with a spoiled pout.

"Isabella, I want a dress."

Isabella, eager to escape from Ethan, agreed easily. "Fine. Come with me."

She led Chloe to her dressing room.

Chloe had always thought of herself as rich, and her own dressing room at home was impressive. But when she stepped into Isabella's, she realized hers was nothing in comparison. She was very surprised.

Isabella's dressing room was ten times bigger. Rows upon rows of designer clothes, bags, shoes, and glittering jewelry filled the space.

Chloe clenched her fists. She had to marry Ethan.

As the minutes passed, Isabella grew impatient. "Have you chosen yet?"

"Not yet," Chloe dragged her feet, too dazzled by all the luxury.

They were running out of time. Isabella called a servant over. "Take her to pick a dress. Once she's done, escort her to the third-floor guest room to change."

Isabella then left, heading downstairs.

---

Chloe finally made her choice—a white dress, deliberately similar in style to Isabella's.

"I want this one. Take me to change."

The servant, unaware of a crucial detail, led Chloe to the nearest guest room instead of the one on the third floor.

Unfortunately, this was the same guest room Ethan had used the previous night.

And that mistake… would change everything.