Share A Dance

Emelie was stunned. She turned around and saw that her dance partner had a new partner. William had pulled a switcheroo.

Since his outburst and those strange words the other day, Emelie felt frustrated whenever she saw him.

"Mr. Middleton, that's quite rude." She tried to break free from his hold, but despite the gentle grip on her waist and hand as they danced, she couldn't escape.

William's tone was indifferent. "Switching dance partners is a social custom, Ms. Pierce. Don't be surprised. Let's spin."

He lifted his hand and allowed Emelie to spin underneath it. She planned to flee when he released her, but he pulled her back in and continued holding her.

Emelie felt toyed with, but she held her frustration back. She didn't want to create a scene and ruin Melanie's wedding.

She decided that she would endure it. A dance lasted only three to five minutes, so she would wait for the music to end.

William guided her through the dance, his movements smooth and effortless.

He asked, "What have you been doing lately?"

Emelie replied coldly, "None of your business."

Even if she didn't tell him, he already knew.

"Elias found the renowned neurosurgeon, Shane Santiago, to treat Ms. Thornton. You've been visiting Elias frequently to see Ms. Thornton," he stated.

Emelie repeated, "None of your business."

After a pause, William continued speaking, his tone growing serious. "Ms. Thornton's treatment progress and condition are confidential, but your frequent visits and gifts like clothes, shoes, bags, wine, and gourmet food suggest that Ms. Thornton has awakened. You're trying very hard to signal her recovery."

"None of your business," Emelie said once more.

"Try saying that again," William demanded, tightening his grip on her waist, pulling her closer.

Emelie's face showed obvious disgust. She forced a smile and changed her words, "What does it have to do with you?"

The words changed, but the meaning remained the same. It was a deliberate provocation. William's face darkened. "Are you trying to lure Beathan to Capebatt City?"

"What does it have to do with you?" She found her own answers to him amusing, so she chuckled.

They were speaking in a low voice and the music was loud, so the guests around them couldn't hear what they were saying.

From afar, Samuel noticed Emelie dancing with William. When he saw her smiling, he assumed everything was fine.

However, William's eyes were dark and cold. "I warned you not to provoke Beathan casually. He's more dangerous than Charles. I see through your tricks, and he will too."

"He won't be fooled. Even if he's lured here, what will you do?" he asked.

Emelie smiled. "What does it have to do with you?"

William's left hand was intertwined with her right. He said in a solemn tone, "If you can't defeat him in one blow, he'll have dirt on you because you made a move first. I wouldn't put him past anything. Are you prepared for his retaliation?"

In other words, he meant that she wouldn't be able to deal with Beathan. He also thought that she was just lucky to have defeated Charles, and that she wouldn't be so lucky every time.

Emelie finally said something different. "I don't need you to tell me what to do."

William pressed his lips together tightly.

Emelie didn't want his help. She was interested in something else.Property © of .

"William, are you no longer pretending?" She was referring to his act of compromising and being humble.

She looked at his face. "You look healthier now, not sickly. No wonder you're more aggressive."