Carolina's smile didn't falter. If Alexander wanted a perfect fiancee, she would give him one. Flawless. Elegant. Obedient.
At least, that's what he would think.
Inside, she was already ten steps ahead.
She slid her fingers through his, letting him lead her onto the dance floor. His touch was warm, firm, possessive. But instead of pulling away, she leaned in, pressing her body just close enough to make it look natural.
"If you wanted to dance, you could've just asked," she teased softly, keeping her voice sweet, teasing, innocent.
His smirk deepened, eyes sharp with amusement.
"And miss the chance to make you obey? Never."
She laughed, light and carefree, as if she weren't silently plotting his downfall.
---
The moment the dance ended, Carolina slipped away.
Not too far. Not too soon. Just enough to make it look natural.
She needed information. Power. A weakness to exploit.
And she knew exactly where to start.
Her eyes scanned the room, landing on a man standing near the balcony—Samuel Carter. Alexander's right-hand man.
If anyone knew the cracks in Malvern's empire, it was him.
Carolina adjusted her dress, smoothed her hair, and made her way toward him.
The game had officially begun.
---