Chapter 20 Man Takes the Lead
Although Cordell kept his head down, he caught a glimpse of the shadow reflected on the polished floor out of the corner of his eye.
He looked up at her, his hand loosening as the flame from the lighter flickered out.
Standing up straight, he tucked the lighter back into his pocket.
Elaine didn’t move any closer. She simply stood there, her gaze locked on him.
Cordell slowly walked toward her, the familiar features of her face coming into clearer view. She stood frozen, as if enchanted, unable to move. Her hands clenched tightly by her sides.
The distance between them closed, and her dark eyes reflected his figure. But he didn’t stop in front of her; instead, he brushed past, so close that their bodies almost touched.
He took two steps forward before suddenly halting, and they stood back to back, a yard of space separating them.
“Loyd is a playboy, often hanging out in places he shouldn’t. Stay away from him.” His voice was soft but clear in the stillness of the hallway.
0.00%
O
10
O
10
G
11:06 立
Chapter 20 Man Takes the Lead
288 Vouchers
Elaine, who had been introduced to Loyd Gomez earlier by Marcelo, didn’t need his warning. She could already tell that Loyd was trouble- a smooth talker with a knack for manipulation.
“This is my business, not yours,” she replied coolly, dismissing him with a sharp tone. Without waiting for him to speak, she turned and walked away in her high heels.
Back in the party hall, it was time for the dance. Elaine decided to grab a quick bite in the lounge to fill her stomach before finding a place to sit and relax.
At some point, Marcelo had quietly appeared behind her. “Go ask Mr. Mason to dance,” he said.
‘Shouldn’t it be the man’s job to ask?‘ she thought.
WEE
She followed Marcelo’s gaze and saw Jackson sitting in the lounge with a glass of champagne.
Several young women had already tried to approach him, either to chat or ask for a dance, but his cool demeanor had sent them away, leaving them to retreat awkwardly.
Under Marcelo’s watchful gaze, Elaine gathered her courage and stepped forward. She navigated through the crowd until she stood in front of Jackson.
26 515
10
0
G
N
1106
Chapter 20 Man Takes the Lead
1288 Weuchers
“Mr. Mason, may I have the honor of a dance?”
Jackson looked up at her. She wore a soft yellow one–shoulder gown, which complemented her fair skin, making her look almost porcelain- like–smooth and luminous. Her seaweed–like curls were loosely
pinned up, and her makeup was impeccable.
Her small, honey–colored lips shimmered in the light, and her bright eyes glowed, sparkling like stars.
He lightly swirled the champagne in his glass, his gaze drifting past her to meet Marcelo’s, who was watching from across the room. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
“It’s better if the man takes the lead,” he replied with a hint of
amusement.
He placed his glass down and stood, extending his hand to her.
Elaine placed her hand in his, and he led her onto the dance floor.
When Cordell returned from the restroom, he spotted the couple dancing in the crowd.
The man, impeccably dressed in a suit, exuded an air of cold, quiet elegance.
The woman, graceful and beautiful, moved with effortless poise.
54 38%
10
G
11:00
BG 74%
Chapter 20–Man Takes the Lead
288 voucher
Together, they made a stunning picture, the perfect couple on display at the event.
“You’re dancing well,” Jackson remarked with a raised eyebrow. “Who taught you?”
Elaine’s smile faltered, and her expression became distant.
Memories rushed back to her–memories of someone shouting in frustration, desperate but helpless.
“Elaine, focus! You stepped on my foot again!”
“Elaine, you’re so clumsy! Can’t you tell left from right?”
“Elaine! If you don’t learn properly, how are you going to come with me to all the parties? When I start working, you’ll have to attend all kinds of events. Do you want me to bring another woman instead?”
These memories were etched deep in her mind, impossible to erase no matter how hard she tried.
