"Excuse us, we must go visit our other guests," Prudence said, pulling the Duke along with her as they walked away, though the man continued to glance over his shoulder at Viktor.
"That was intense," Charlotte chuckled lightly. Before they could say another word, a tall, lanky man in a green coat approached them, his eyes fixed on Lilith.
"Forgive my interruption. I am Lord Tron Yale and I would like to ask the lady for a dance."
Lilith hesitated, but Charlotte gave her a soft nudge on the back, urging her forward. "Go on, we'll be right here."
Reluctantly, Lilith accepted the man's gloved hand and allowed herself to be led to the dance floor. The moment the music swelled, his polite smile twisted into something sly.
"I don't know if you remember me," Tron began smoothly, "but we met a few years ago. I came here with my father for a business meeting with your stepfather. You were dressed in a raggedy dress, serving us tea."
