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 .