Chapter 127 Brandon's Choice
At the Robinson family's grand and luxurious party, the banquet hall buzzed with the elite, their elegant attire and lively chatter creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Crystal chandeliers cast a dazzling light, reflecting off the guests' exquisite gowns and confident faces.
Richard, the head of the family, was highly respected but had been a widower for many years. According to tradition, he wasn't the one to lead the opening dance of the evening.
He sat at the head table, his gaze calm as he observed the bustling scene in the hall, occasionally engaging in quiet conversation with his old friends beside him.
The relationship between Bentley and Angelina was an open secret in this high society circle, known to everyone.
Bentley had long been inseparable from his lover Cheryl, spending every day together, a behavior that was no longer surprising to anyone.
So, it was absolutely impossible for Bentley and Angelina to dance the opening dance together.
Among the remaining choices, Brian was still single and naturally didn't have a suitable partner to perform this important opening ceremony.
Thus, the attention naturally fell on Brandon and Monica.
Although Brandon hadn't yet hosted a grand wedding for Monica to let the world witness their love, their legal marriage was like an unbreakable contract, binding them tightly together.
Brandon held Monica's shoulder tightly, as if afraid she might suddenly disappear.
His voice unconsciously lowered, filled with affection and worry.
Earlier in the corridor, Ethan's serious words echoed in his ears like a spell.
At that moment, he fully realized that his previous jealousy was not without reason.
If before his feelings for Monica were in a state of confusion and indulgence, now he had only one thought: to keep a firm hold on the woman in front of him.
Men are often contradictory; when a woman loves them wholeheartedly, they may not value this deep affection. But once they discover someone else coveting their woman, the flames of jealousy ignite uncontrollably.
"Mom said you and I should dance the opening dance. Are you ready?" Brandon whispered in Monica's ear.
His warm breath gently brushed against Monica's ear, causing a ticklish sensation.
Monica instinctively moved slightly, inadvertently brushing against Brandon's lips.
In that instant, Brandon felt his heartbeat quicken, his ears turning red.
"I practiced a bit, but my movements are still a bit uncoordinated," Monica said honestly, unaware of the impact of her small gesture.
Her eyes were filled with nervousness and anxiety, as this was her first time dancing in such an important occasion, facing so many distinguished guests.
"How can you be so clumsy?" Brandon stared at Monica, his mouth and eyes seemingly fixed, unable to look away.
His heart was full of confusion. Was this woman doing it on purpose? How could every move she made throw his heart into chaos?
"I really tried, but I just got back from Oceancrest City and didn't have much time to practice," Monica said, growing more nervous.
Her small hand unconsciously gripped Brandon's sleeve, her fingertips trembling slightly.
"Alright, alright, it's just an opening dance. Just don't step on my feet," Brandon said, trying to sound reassuring but coming off a bit exasperated. "And next time I find you alone with Mr. Kennedy, don't expect me to help you find your mom!"
He knew Monica was particularly concerned about finding her mother. As soon as he said this, he regretted it, but the words were already out and couldn't be taken back.
"How can you use my mom to threaten me? How are you any different from Henry?" Monica's eyes instantly reddened with anger, tears welling up.
She looked at Brandon in disbelief, her heart full of disappointment and hurt.
Brandon realized he had said the wrong thing, feeling deeply remorseful but unable to bring himself to apologize. He turned his head impatiently.
At that moment, he saw Seraphina, her eyes red and filled with tears.
Seraphina was clutching her glass tightly, her slender fingers white from the pressure. She raised her glass towards Brandon, as if expressing endless sorrow.
Seeing Seraphina in this state, Brandon felt his heart being squeezed painfully.
Their past flashed through his mind like a slideshow, and he involuntarily let go of Monica's hand, walking towards Seraphina.
Just then, the lights in the banquet hall suddenly went out, plunging the room into darkness.
Immediately, a bright spotlight shone down on Brandon, like a stage light, while another beam quickly illuminated his path.
Soon, the light focused steadily on Seraphina, her tear-streaked face looking particularly pitiful under the spotlight.
Traditionally, the opening dance lights should shine on the hosts. But now, one beam was on Brandon, and the other on Seraphina.
This unexpected turn of events instantly changed the expressions of the guests, freezing the atmosphere.
Especially Angelina, standing next to the host, her anger flaring up, wanting to rush over and wake Brandon up.
She knew that if Brandon really took Seraphina's hand and danced the Robinson family's opening dance, Monica's reputation would be utterly ruined.
No matter how hard Monica tried in the future, she would inevitably become a laughingstock in the elite circles, even more disgraceful than Angelina's own past.
Angelina had been abandoned by her husband, but she had once truly loved Bentley and given birth to an outstanding son like Brandon.
But Monica had only been in the Robinson family for two or three months and was already publicly challenged by Brandon, something anyone would find unbearable.
Angelina was anxious, even wanting to grab the host's microphone and loudly remind Brandon.
Meanwhile, Seraphina, seeing Brandon walking towards her, was overjoyed, almost ecstatic.
She quickly handed her glass to a passing waiter, then hurriedly adjusted her dress, smoothing out every crease and adjusting the neckline to look more alluring.
She extended her left hand, trembling slightly, eagerly waiting for Brandon to take her hand.