She whispered the question to him, her voice soft, almost reluctant. Nathaniel Fu's reply was low and husky."What, it's fine for you to dance with strange men on a bar dance floor, but I can't dance with you while holding you in my arms?"
That night at the bar, when he saw her on the dance floor, he had wanted to dance with her waist, not just watch.
She had danced beautifully—fluid, instinctive, her body responding effortlessly to every beat. If she claimed she'd never learned dance, he wouldn't believe it.Was she really just a girl from the countryside?
Seriously? He still had the nerve to bring up that bar incident?
Celia shot him a glare.
Meanwhile, a pair of furious, burning eyes was locked on them from across the ballroom—Summer.
Summer stared at the two of them dancing. Nathaniel Fu, the man of her dreams, heir to one of the wealthiest families, was the picture of elegance—his every step smooth and commanding, naturally noble in posture and presence.
And Celia, that so-called country girl, was somehow dancing at his side. She moved with unexpected grace, the kind that only came with training. Her rose-red gown brushed against his dark tailored suit, the two of them swaying in harmony, so close it was almost intimate.
The entire ballroom was watching them.
Summer had spent days preparing for this moment—this dance. And now, the man she had set her sights on had been stolen by Celia, a girl she'd always looked down upon.
Celia had become the star of the evening, while she—she—was reduced to a mere extra. That had never happened in Summer's life before.
How could someone as proud as her swallow that?
Her manicured nails dug into her palms. No matter how she tried to convince herself, she couldn't accept it. She had lost—to Celia.
Even Madame Su, who had always favored Summer, looked visibly stunned.
"Why... why would Mr. Fu dance with Celia?" she muttered in disbelief.
Celia, the granddaughter she looked down on the most—why was she now standing in the spotlight?
It was bad. Even her grandmother was paying attention to this nobody. Was Celia about to steal her grandmother's favor, too?
Summer couldn't take it any longer. She shot a glance at her mother, Liana, who immediately understood the signal.
The music reached its final note. The dance ended.
Clap clap clap.
A wave of applause rolled through the ballroom.
Nathaniel gently released Celia.
"Mr. Fu!" Liana suddenly stood and raised her voice, "Mr. Fu, please wait. There's something you need to know about Celia."
Her voice rang out loud and clear.
"In truth, our family shouldn't be airing dirty laundry in public, but I can't watch you be deceived. So I must tell you something shameful about her past."
What?The crowd instantly fell silent, ears pricked.
Celia turned calmly toward Liana, already guessing where this was headed.
She curled her lips into a half-smile. "Auntie, just a word of advice—some things are better left unsaid."
Liana scoffed, "Scared now, Celia? Trying to silence me? I have to say it!"
She raised her voice theatrically.
"Last Friday night, right here at Song Hotel, Celia checked into a room—with a bald old man!"
Friday night. Song Hotel.
Secretary Song's face froze.
Wait—wasn't that the night Miss Celia had checked into a suite… with President Fu himself?
Oh no.
He suddenly realized the implication and looked at Liana with shock.Did she just call his boss—a man with a full, glossy head of hair—a bald old man?!
It was over.
As expected, Nathaniel Fu froze mid-step. His hawk-like eyes turned sharply toward Liana, cold enough to freeze fire.
Justin, emboldened by Liana's lead, stood up and added, "It's true, Mr. Fu! We even have photos on our phones!"
He whipped out his phone triumphantly.