Chapter 181

A subtle change flickered across Julian's face.

His gaze lingered on Isabella.

Alexander remained oblivious to Julian's intense stare.

Nathaniel was thoroughly enjoying himself. With theatrical flair, he executed a perfect bow and extended his hand like a nobleman from a period drama. "Might I have the pleasure of dancing with the exquisite Ms. Sinclair?"

Isabella was no stranger to ballroom dancing.

She laughed at Nathaniel's dramatic display. "The pleasure would be mine," she replied, placing her hand in his.

Nathaniel led her onto the polished dance floor with practiced ease.

Not to be outdone, Julian extended his own invitation to the woman beside him.

As Isabella and Nathaniel moved across the floor, their attention was drawn to Alexander and Victoria.

The couple was preparing to dance themselves, their eyes accidentally meeting Isabella's direction.

Just as Isabella started to look away, she thought she saw Alexander smile at her.

Her brow furrowed momentarily before realizing her mistake.

That smile was meant for Victoria.

His attention never strayed from his partner.

Isabella refocused on Nathaniel, surrendering to the rhythm of the music.

Dominic, Sebastian, and Oliver were the kind of eligible bachelors who commanded attention in high society.

Naturally, numerous women vied for their attention.

After greeting Nathaniel, Dominic only had eyes for one person - Victoria.

Like Sebastian, he had no intention of dancing tonight.

However, certain well-connected young ladies had family ties that couldn't be ignored.

At their elders' insistence, both men reluctantly accepted partners and joined the dancing.

Oliver, true to his reputation as a ladies' man, was already circulating with enthusiasm.

Isabella moved with effortless grace in her cocktail dress, her every motion exuding timeless elegance. Her radiant smile made her unquestionably the evening's most captivating presence.

This didn't go unnoticed, and soon multiple gentlemen were angling to cut in.

Simon was particularly persistent.

Approaching with his current partner, he asked, "Mr. Graves, care to switch partners for a song?"

His gaze remained fixed on Isabella.

Nathaniel's expression darkened. "I think not."

Simon was momentarily speechless.

Then Isabella heard another voice. "Ms. Sinclair? Would you mind switching partners for this dance?"

She turned to find Sebastian's partner addressing her.

The woman had striking features and was clearly more interested in Nathaniel than in her current partner.

Isabella smiled politely. "I don't mind, but Mr. Ashford—"

Sebastian interjected smoothly, "I'm amenable either way."

Nathaniel looked mildly affronted.

Apparently his opinion wasn't required.

Still, Sebastian was an impressive match by any standard, and certainly no poor choice for Isabella.

With that thought, Nathaniel relented.

The exchange happened seamlessly.

Isabella found herself momentarily uncomfortable placing her hand in a stranger's and resting the other on his shoulder.

True to his reputation, Sebastian maintained a respectful distance.

Noticing her tension, Sebastian found himself wondering if she lacked experience with romantic partners.

Though they'd met before, they were hardly acquainted.

"Sebastian Ashford," he introduced himself.

Isabella took a moment to compose herself before meeting his gaze. "Isabella Sinclair."