Chapter 470

Isabella's pulse stuttered as her gaze locked onto Alexander's striking profile.

Nathan's eyes burned with barely restrained tension, his body coiled like a spring ready to snap. Every instinct screamed at him to stride forward, seize Isabella's wrist, and pull her away from this suffocating crowd.

Others—like Harrison and the Fairhaven executives—had gone pale.

Especially Victoria, whose heart pounded violently against her ribs. She glared at Isabella with thinly veiled spite, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "Well, well. Miss Isabella has a fiancé? Do enlighten us—who is the fortunate gentleman bound to the Sinclair fortune?"

Harrison's jaw clenched. "Whoever it is, rest assured, it won't be anyone from the Vanderbilt Group."

Victoria's lips curled in satisfaction, her anxiety easing.

Dominic's expression darkened. He suspected Alexander was spinning a tale to shield his daughter—nothing more than a convenient excuse to reject his advances.

At the derby, he'd noticed the closeness between Isabella and Nathan. But such flirtations were common among the elite—fleeting distractions, nothing serious. If there had been a fiancé, Alexander would have announced it then, not waited until now to drop the bombshell.

William, however, remained unruffled. "So the young lady is already promised? My congratulations. Might we know which esteemed family the gentleman belongs to?"

Curiosity rippled through the room.

Alexander's smile was effortless as his gaze flickered briefly toward Nathan.

Dominic followed his line of sight and scowled.

"Oh my god—Nathan! Am I hallucinating? Is Chairman Alexander looking at you?" Julian gasped, shaking Nathan's arm like an overexcited puppy.

Nathan's breathing was uneven, his forehead damp with sweat. But his voice remained steady. "Don't read into it. Chairman Alexander is likely just using this as a shield against Dominic."

"Then why look this way? He could've lied without involving us!" Julian insisted, ever the optimist. "It's just us here, and he's definitely looking at you. Unless—" He gasped dramatically. "—he's checking me out?"

Nathan's chest tightened, his control slipping.

His burning gaze remained fixed on Isabella.

"The Sinclair family has always valued discretion," Alexander continued smoothly, his eyes leaving Nathan. "My daughter prefers to keep her private life just that—private. Mr. William, tonight is a business affair, and we wouldn't want personal matters to overshadow it. When the time is right, we will make the announcement. And when we do, I hope you'll join us in Skycrest."

"Skycrest? I've heard the beaches are breathtaking. I wouldn't miss it," William replied smoothly, playing his part flawlessly.

Isabella exhaled silently, grateful for her father's deflection. Lately, he'd been unpredictable—sometimes unrecognizable, other times eerily precise, as if two different men occupied the same body.

The crowd buzzed with speculation.

"Who is her fiancé? Mr. Adrian was close to Chairman Alexander, and Mr. Jeffrey was practically his brother. Maybe it's Mr. Adrian?"

"If it were him, wouldn't he be here tonight? My money's on Mr. Nathan. Did you see them at the derby? Who else would've stayed by her side when she was hurt? If Mr. Adrian were her fiancé and didn't show, that'd be heartless!"

Seraphina watched Isabella, her cheeks flushed with emotion, envy glinting in her eyes.

Her father's intentions were clear—Isabella's fiancé could only be Nathan.

How wonderful it must be, to have love and her family's blessing.

Even now, Seraphina bore no resentment.

The Lockwood family's eldest son had betrayed them, aiding their enemies. Their status was useless now.

Lost in thought, Seraphina's eyes reddened as she swallowed back tears.

She was the least capable in the family. If her arranged marriage could help their cause—

She was ready to sacrifice everything.

As the tension eased, the dinner resumed.

William and Dominic's failed alliance with the Sinclairs emboldened the Vanderbilt Group and Fairhaven executives, even stirring Harrison into action.

Dominic, rejected by Isabella, wore an expression like he'd swallowed something foul. Though William remained composed, his son's humiliation surely festered beneath the surface.

It seemed the Sinclairs were no longer contenders for the derby hotel partnership.

The music shifted, signaling the start of the ball.

Young nobles and debutantes paired off, swirling across the dance floor in a dazzling display.

Isabella noticed Seraphina's nervousness—this was her first high-society event. To ease her sister's anxiety, they slipped away to a quieter corner, sipping fruit punch and chatting.

Seraphina had drawn many admiring glances, but none dared approach with Isabella beside her.

Seraphina kept her turmoil hidden, speaking only when necessary, her voice barely audible.

Isabella squeezed her sister's cold hand. "Seraphina, I won't let you throw yourself into a loveless marriage. Trust me—I'll make sure you're with the one you love."

"Isa, I'm fine," Seraphina whispered, forcing a fragile smile. "An arranged marriage... I won't resist. If it helps our family, I'll do it. Just focus on your happiness with Nathan. Don't worry about me."

"What?" Isabella's voice cracked. "How could I sacrifice your happiness for mine? If you can't be with Adrian, I'd rather stay single forever! What kind of sister would that make me?"

"Isa, don't be stubborn. It's my choice—"

Before she could finish, a heavily accented voice interrupted.

"Miss Isabella, may I have this dance?"

The sisters looked up to find Dominic bowing before Isabella, his hand extended.

Isabella's expression soured, but before she could refuse, Dominic cut in. "Miss Isabella, if you won't give me a chance to court you, at least grant me one dance. It's merely a social courtesy—nothing more. Surely you won't deny me this small pleasure?"

All eyes turned to them.

Seraphina frowned. Isabella clearly despised the blond suitor, but outright refusal would seem arrogant.

Trapped, Isabella reluctantly raised her hand—

Then, like a winter gale, a commanding figure swept in.

Before Dominic could react, the delicate hand he sought was snatched away.

Isabella gasped as she was spun onto the dance floor, the spotlight searing into her.

Her eyes locked with Nathan's dark, smoldering gaze. Her body trembled in his embrace, heat flooding her skin.

His breath warmed her face as he leaned in, their fingers entwined, his other arm wrapping possessively around her waist. His palm pressed firmly against the small of her back, searing through the thin fabric of her dress.

Isabella struggled to maintain composure, but her body thrummed with electricity, her breaths shallow. She stumbled slightly, trying to match his rhythm.

"What are you doing?" she hissed.

"Would you rather dance with that vulture?" Nathan murmured, his voice low and rough.

Isabella bit her lip, cheeks flushing. "Isn't this just trading one predator for another?"

"Yes," he admitted, spinning her effortlessly. "But I'm the kind of predator who might just devour you." His jaw lifted arrogantly. "Focus, Isabella. Your eyes should only be on me."

They became the envy of the room, their chemistry undeniable.

Every woman present—except Victoria—conceded they were perfectly matched.

Victoria seethed, her nails digging into her palms, powerless to intervene.

Meanwhile, Dominic, humiliated, stormed off in a huff.

William's butler approached discreetly. "Sir, if you'd like a dance partner, perhaps Miss Fairhaven? She's of suitable standing and, while not as radiant as Miss Isabella, won't tarnish your reputation."

"Her? Dressed like a peacock? I'd rather sit this out," Dominic snapped, storming away.

Isabella's abrupt departure left Seraphina alone.

The men, sensing opportunity, edged closer—but a limping figure reached her first.

"Isn't that Byron?" someone murmured.

"I heard he survived a horrific accident. The Chambers hired Dr. Evelyn to treat him. Pity—he's crippled now."

"Byron used to be so proud. This must be devastating."

Byron had spent the past week in grueling physical therapy, dressed impeccably tonight in hopes of impressing Seraphina.

Standing before her now, he realized he could no longer dance.

With a rueful smile, he said, "Miss Seraphina, you seem lonely here. May I keep you company?"

Seraphina tensed—then her phone buzzed.

She glanced down.

Adrian.

Her heart clenched.