Chapter 97
"No way!" Tamsin exclaimed, totally shocked. She always thought Yvonne's fashion sense was just her style, but it turned out her goal from the start was Alexander.
"She's so shameless. How could the Graham family produce someone like her? I remember she wasn't this brazen when she was younger. No wonder Alexander despises her; he saw right through her."
The more Tamsin looked at Yvonne, the more disgusted she felt. She made a mental note to steer clear of people like her in the future.
"Zoey, Alexander likes you. You gotta stop this from happening."
"Me?" Zoey knew Alexander had feelings for her, but this was part of the game. How could she change that?
"Yes, you. Stop it now. Yvonne is deliberately losing, and Alexander has only touched you. If they start dancing, I'll be so disgusted."
"Hot guy and girl dancing, how would that disgust you? Besides, haven't you known each other since you were kids?" Zoey teased with a smile.
Of course, she didn't want Alexander dancing with Yvonne either, but teasing Tamsin was too much fun.
"Hot guy, sure, but her? A beauty? She's a snake in disguise." Tamsin clung to Zoey's arm. "When she started targeting you, I cut ties with her."
Zoey's eyes softened. She hadn't expected Tamsin to stand up for her like this.
Alexander slowly walked towards Yvonne, who was trembling with excitement.
Is it happening?
He would wrap his arm around her slim waist and pull her close to his chest for a steamy dance.
At least Zoey's presence had some effect, making this intimate moment with Alexander possible.
"No way, Alexander, are you out of your mind?" Tamsin was getting anxious.
"Alexander..." Daniel couldn't believe his eyes.
"Alexander, the game's over," Marcus said, knowing Alexander had no interest in Yvonne. He didn't want to put Alexander in a tough spot.
"One more round," Alexander suddenly said, his gaze sweeping over to Zoey standing in the corner.
Yvonne's smile froze. What did he mean by another round? He'd rather have another round than dance with her?
Why?
What was wrong with her? She had even worn a low-cut dress today, showing off her perfect figure. Anyone would be mesmerized, right?
"Thank goodness, I thought Alexander was really going to dance with her," Tamsin sighed in relief.
She had just sworn to herself that if Alexander danced with Yvonne, she would block him and give him the cold shoulder for months.
Luckily, Alexander still had some sense and didn't go through with it.
"Alexander, why?" Yvonne asked, feeling wronged. "Is there really a need for another round in this game?"
She wanted to ask, Alexander, do you hate me that much? But she didn't dare, fearing the answer she didn't want to hear.
Marcus looked at Yvonne's disappointed face and sighed inwardly.
Even a fool could see that Alexander only wanted to dance with Zoey.
"Is it necessary? Fine, you win, I forfeit," Alexander replied dismissively.
Yvonne's face stiffened. This completely disrupted her plan.
According to the rules, the loser had to choose someone they liked to dance with.
Zoey realized Alexander's intention and stood up to leave. She didn't want to dance.
Mainly because she couldn't dance, and it would be embarrassing.
Just as Zoey turned, Alexander grabbed her wrist. "A bet's a bet."
Zoey frowned. "Alexander..."
The music started, and Alexander didn't give her a chance to refuse, pulling her into the center.
One hand on her waist, the other interlaced with her fingers.
"I can't dance," Zoey protested softly, starting to get frustrated.
"It's okay," Alexander's voice was soothing. "I'll lead."
"Like this," he guided her in a low voice. "Just follow my rhythm."
Zoey tried to keep up with his steps but accidentally stepped on his foot.
"Sorry," she said, her ears turning red.
Alexander chuckled. "There's a better way."
He suddenly stopped, bending down to whisper in her ear, "Take off your shoes and step on my feet."
Zoey looked up at him. Alexander's eyes were gentle and focused, without a hint of mockery.
The music transitioned to a slower tune.
Zoey hesitated for a moment, then bent down to take off her heels.
Alexander immediately steadied her, letting her bare feet rest on his polished shoes.
When Zoey placed her hand in his, Alexander's face lit up as if he had received a precious gift.
He gently led her onto the dance floor, his arm loosely around her waist, maintaining a perfect distance.
"Hold on to me," he said softly, his hands encircling her waist.
Zoey's hand rested on his shoulder, and the distance between them closed.
She could smell his faint cologne mixed with a hint of red wine, oddly comforting.
Alexander began to move slowly, guiding her in a gentle spin.
Zoey's toes curled slightly, feeling the pressure and direction of his steps through her thin socks.
"Relax," Alexander's voice was low and tender. "Trust me."
Miraculously, Zoey did relax.
She stopped tensing up and let Alexander guide her in a gentle sway.
Their shadows merged under the lights, as if they were meant to be this close.
What was supposed to be a steamy dance turned into a sweet, intimate waltz.
On the edge of the dance floor, Tamsin clutched Daniel's arm, puzzled. "When did Alexander become so gentle?"
Daniel was equally stunned. "Is Alexander possessed?"
Yvonne stood not far away, her grip on her wine glass tightening.
She had never seen this side of Alexander.
His eyes were soft, his movements careful, as if he were holding something fragile and precious.
"How could he..." Yvonne's voice trembled. "Be so good to her..."
Marcus sighed, pulling Yvonne aside. "Yvonne, let it go."
In the center of the dance floor, Alexander's gaze never left Zoey's face.
Her eyelashes cast delicate shadows under the lights, and her lips, tinted by the wine, looked especially alluring.
"Zoey," he called her name softly.
Zoey looked up, meeting his deep gaze.
In that moment, time seemed to stand still.
Alexander slowly leaned down, placing a kiss as light as a butterfly's wing on her lips.
Zoey didn't pull away.
This realization made Alexander's heart race.
He tentatively deepened the kiss, his tongue gently tracing the shape of her lips.
Zoey's hand instinctively tightened on his suit lapel, but didn't push him away.
The music continued, but they had stopped dancing.
Alexander held her closer, kissing her more passionately.
Zoey's breath quickened, but she still didn't refuse.
Tamsin covered her mouth, her eyes wide.
Daniel quickly pulled her away. "Not for kids!"
When Alexander finally ended the kiss, Zoey's lips were slightly red, her eyes a bit dazed.
Alexander gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. "Are you okay?"
Zoey turned her face away but didn't leave his embrace. "...I'm okay."
This small response warmed Alexander's heart.
He bent down to pick up her heels, but didn't let her put them on. Instead, he scooped her up in his arms.