Chapter 227

"Dance?" Vivian cleared her throat awkwardly, feigning disinterest. "I don't really enjoy dancing."

Nathaniel smirked, his gaze sharp and challenging. "Is that the truth, or are you just afraid?"

"Afraid? Don't be ridiculous." Vivian scoffed but couldn't hold his piercing stare.

His eyes reminded her too much of Ethan—that same unnerving intensity that made her feel exposed, as if he could see straight through her carefully constructed walls.

Of course, she cared that Ethan was dancing with another woman. She was just pretending not to, but her acting skills were clearly lacking. The moment she saw him laughing with that girl in the white dress, her composure shattered. She'd been so distracted she'd completely ruined the game for her team.

"If you're not afraid, then dance with me." Julian extended his hand again. "Trust me, it'll make you feel better."

Though he was Ethan's nephew, Julian was only a year and a half younger. Raised abroad with more freedom, he lacked Ethan's calculated restraint—more open, more reckless.

Vivian bit her lip, hesitating. Dancing would make her feelings too obvious, but refusing would make her look weak.

Liam had noticed too—Vivian wasn't over Ethan. Otherwise, she wouldn't have faltered during her best game.

And Ethan knew she was here. So why was he dancing so intimately with another woman? It was deliberate. A provocation.

As Vivian's most loyal protector, Liam refused to let her lose.

He stepped forward, offering his own hand. "Boss, if you're going to dance, it should be with me. We've known each other for years. We'd be better partners."

The attention in the bar shifted instantly. Whispers spread as women shot envious glances at Vivian. Two gorgeous men vying for her? Unfair.

"You're both impossible," Vivian muttered, cheeks burning under the scrutiny. She didn't want to choose either—until she caught Ethan's gaze.

His stare was icy. A warning. Then he leaned down, whispering something to the girl in white.

Ugh. What a jerk.