Chapter 300: The Third Dance

As soon as Jeffrey stood up, everyone else followed suit.

Grace, who was sitting in the corner, also stood up. Despite wearing high heels, she couldn't see anything because everyone around her was taller. She could only hear the sounds.

Jeffrey led Flora to Charles and said with a smile, "Didn't expect Mr. Montague to be chosen."

He glanced at Flora, "Flora, you haven't met Mr. Montague yet, have you? Go ahead and say hello."

Flora turned gracefully, maintaining a polite smile, "Hello, Mr. Montague. I'm Flora. I've heard so much about you, and meeting you today, I see your reputation is well-deserved."

Charles swirled the wine in his glass and slowly looked up, "Ms. Adams, you're too kind. You're quite talented yourself, especially with the piano."

Flora blushed slightly at the compliment, "Thank you, Mr. Montague."

Their polite exchange was making Kismet, who was standing behind them, impatient.

She laughed and urged, "Alright, everyone is waiting for you two to start the dance. There will be plenty of time to chat later. Let's dance first."

Ruby, knowing Charles' temperament, also came over, worried he might refuse Flora in front of everyone, which would be quite offensive.

She smiled and persuaded, "Charles, Kismet is right. Let's dance first."

Everyone held their breath, waiting for Charles' response.

After a few seconds of silence, Charles slowly extended his right hand to Flora.

Flora was momentarily stunned, then blushed and shyly placed her hand in his.

As they walked to the center of the floor, the crowd parted to make way for them.

The movement of the crowd pushed Grace, who was already in a corner, further back. Thankfully, Milo helped block the crowd, preventing her from being knocked over.

A large circle formed around Charles and Flora.

From her vantage point, Grace could see Charles and Flora clearly in the center of the dance floor.

Charles, now standing tall and straight, held Flora's hand. Under the spotlight, they looked quite the pair.

Grace smirked coldly, watching with a detached expression.

As she was engrossed in watching, Asher leaned in and whispered, "Grace, are you okay? It's pretty stuffy in here. Want to get some fresh air outside?"

Grace snapped back to reality, understanding Asher's concern.

Out of sight, out of mind, as they said.

She had to admit she felt a bit uncomfortable, but they were divorced now. Whatever he did was none of her business.

She waved her hand and smiled, "I'm fine, really."

Asher saw her outward calm but knew she was holding back. Since she didn't want to admit it, he didn't press further.

Grace turned her attention back to the dance floor. The soft music had already started, and Charles and Flora were dancing gracefully.

Charles looked dashing, holding Flora's hand gently, standing tall and straight.

Flora, with her swan-like neck, moved elegantly, sometimes on tiptoe, sometimes with her eyes lowered, looking very graceful.

Their tall figures under the spotlight made them look especially well-matched, drawing sighs of admiration from the crowd.

Hearing the murmurs carried by the breeze, Grace watched with a detached expression.

She was so focused that she didn't notice Milo watching her.

A few minutes later, the opening dance ended, and the room erupted in applause.

Grace snapped out of her daze, her indifferent expression unchanged, and clapped symbolically.

As the applause died down, Charles, still holding Flora's hand, led her out of the dance floor.

Then, the soft yellow lights were turned off, and the spotlight focused on the butler.

The sudden darkness made everyone uncomfortable, causing some commotion.

The butler, holding a microphone, smiled and said, "Don't worry, everyone. This ball is going to be a bit different. The first dance was by Mr. Montague and Ms. Adams. The second and third dances will also be chosen this way, and those selected will receive a special gift from Mr. Jeffrey Adams."

The butler's explanation was clear, and as soon as he finished, many young people moved towards the spotlight, hoping to be chosen.

Grace and her group, standing in the corner, remained still.

Grace watched the eager crowd with a cold eye, her thoughts unknown.

Meanwhile, Charles sat down, slowly swirling his wine glass. As he took a sip, a graceful figure appeared beside him.

Before he could speak, Flora sat down next to him, her perfume wafting over.

Charles frowned and put down his wine glass.

Flora smiled delicately, "Mr. Montague, may I chat with you for a while?"

Charles took another sip of wine and replied indifferently, "Sure."

Though he agreed, his tone was so cold that Flora's smile stiffened.

Feeling slighted, she frowned slightly but held back, considering Charles' status in Silverlight City.

She forced a smile, "Mr. Montague, I grew up abroad and don't know much about fun places in Silverlight City. Could you show me around?"

Charles' drinking motion paused, and he replied coldly, "I'm very busy."

His straightforward refusal left Flora stunned.

At that moment, the second round of dance selection ended.

The chosen pair was a middle-aged couple named Gonzalez, well-known in Silverlight City.

The butler announced loudly, "Let's welcome them to dance the second dance!"

As the butler finished, the soft yellow lights returned to the dance floor.

The couple, holding hands, gracefully entered the dance floor and began to dance to the romantic music.

Despite the romantic music, Flora couldn't muster any interest. She withdrew her gaze and smiled elegantly, "I understand you're busy, Mr. Montague. I won't bother you. If you know any fun places, let me know, and I'll go myself."

Charles didn't even look at her, replying indifferently, "There's something called a phone. You can use it to search."

Flora persisted, "Those aren't reliable."

Charles remained silent, clearly not wanting to engage.

Flora swallowed her frustration and continued, "Mr. Montague, do you know you look intimidating when you don't smile? Are you always this serious?"

"Yes."

"So, you don't smile often?"

Charles didn't respond, which Flora took as a yes.

She blinked her big eyes and leaned closer, speaking softly, "I think you'd look very gentle and handsome if you smiled."

Charles frowned, disliking the close proximity.

He put down his wine glass and stood up abruptly.

The sudden movement startled Flora.

The only member of the Adams family still present was Kismet, as Jeffrey had left early due to his health.

They were all taken aback by Charles' sudden action and looked up at him.

Charles, with one hand in his pocket, turned to Kismet, "Sorry, Mrs. Adams, I just remembered I have something to take care of. I'll be leaving now."

Kismet was momentarily stunned, and Flora's face changed, becoming stiff.

Charles smiled slightly and left before anyone from the Adams family could ask him to stay.

At that moment, the second dance ended, and the butler began the selection for the third dance.

As the spotlight moved around, it suddenly stopped.

Murmurs arose.

"Who are those two? I've never seen them before."

"I heard Mr. Adams loves collecting and has connections with the art association. Maybe they're from the art association?"