But to her surprise , she found herself the one led her hand in his as he effortlessly guided her into the heart of the dance floor . The world shrank to just the two of them . Under the chandeliers shimmering light , his features were sculpted from marble , his eyes and deep , pulling her in like a tide . dark When the final note lingered in the air , their last step was in perfect harmony . His arm wrapped around her tighter , drawing her closer . For a moment , she could do nothing but look up at him . caught in the stillness of the moment . Time stretched , and the world seemed to pause . The sudden eruption of applause shattered the silence , and Jessica snapped back to reality . She instinctively withdrew from his embrace . Im going to get a drink , she murmured , her voice betraying a haste she didnt quite feel . Charless gaze followed her , a faint , almost amused smile playing on his lips . Was she … embarrassed : At the drinks table , Jessica allowed herself a brief moment of relief . But before she could even fully exhale , a hand gripped her wrist , pulling her with surprising force . Hugh ? What are you doing ? she demanded , confusion mingling with the cold tension that crackled between them . What did he want this time ? Without a word , Hugh wrenched her away from the ballroom , dragging her down the dim. corridor . Jessica summoned every ounce of her strength , breaking free from his grasp . She spun to face him , eyes flashing . Where are we going ? she asked , her voice steady but laced with annoyance . His glare was sharp enough to cut glass . Jessica , leave . Dont you dare ruin this for me and Rhea ! His fury only made her chuckle softly . Whats wrong ? Are you afraid ? She locked eyes with him , cool and unyielding . Five years ago , she had been broken devastated -bur Hugh had moved on , marrying Rhea . Had he ever truly loved her ? Had he ever cared ? He tossed her aside like some toy hed grown bored of playing with . 1/3 4.44 PM Jessica paused just long enough to steady herself . She turned , a faint smile pulling at the corner of her lips . Im Charles date . If I vanish , Im sure hell start to worry . With a last , dismissive glance , she walked on , her steps unshaken , her confidence unwavering . In the corner , Rhea watched the entire scene unfold . Her fists tightened . She hadnt anticipated Jessicas audacity how untouchable she seemed . Rheas gaze turned cold , burning with fury , Jessica thought she could rely on Charles ? Not a chance . Jessica returned to the ballroom but found no trace of Charles . She searched , but he was nowhere to be found , likely tied up with some business . She picked up a glass of juice , taking a long sip , savoring the coolness as it slid down her throat . Then , Rhea appeared at the center of the room . She stepped onto the stage , her movements . graceful , but her voice was a weapon as she took the microphone . Ladies and gentlemen , thank you for joining us tonight . Now , Id like to play a game . Ill need someone to participate . Her eyes scanned the crowd before settling on Jessica . A smirk appeared , chilling and triumphant . You , miss . Please , come up here . All eyes turned to Jessica , the weight of every gaze pressing down . For a moment , surprise flickered across Jessicas face . She met Rheas gaze , sensing the venom behind the smile . Let them try . Whatever Rhea had planned , Jessica was ready to face it . With grace , Jessica made her way to the stage , every step confident , every movement sure . At that exact moment , Charles reentered the room , having just finished his phone call . He paused in the doorway , his gaze landing on Jessica as she climbed the stage . His steps faltered , and he hesitated , choosing to stay outside .