Chapter 182

Sebastian Ashford paused mid-step. "Isabella? As in... divine?"

"Exactly."

The name fit her perfectly, though Sebastian kept that thought to himself.

Dominic Fairchild, Oliver Westbrook, Julian Montgomery, Victoria Kensington, and Alexander Whitmore all took notice.

Partner swapping during dances wasn't uncommon.

But Isabella Sinclair with Sebastian Ashford?

Visually, they were breathtaking together.

Dominic's brow furrowed.

Julian froze momentarily.

His dance partner tilted her head. "Mr. Montgomery?"

Julian quickly looked away. "My apologies."

"It's fine."

Really, changing partners during a waltz meant nothing.

Julian wouldn't have minded even switching with Alexander.

But Isabella—

This was Victoria's first encounter with Sebastian tonight.

Dominic had greeted him earlier, but Sebastian hadn't stayed long.

Victoria knew nothing about his background.

Yet judging by how Dominic and Simon Fairchild treated him, his status clearly matched Dominic's.

Victoria's lips pursed as she watched Isabella blush while dancing with Sebastian, who seemed unusually attentive.

Oliver suddenly grinned. "Let's switch, Alexander."

Victoria snapped back to reality.

Alexander met her gaze. "Shall we?"

Smiling tightly, Victoria nodded. "Of course."

Alexander smoothly transferred his partner to Oliver.

Oliver's dance partner hadn't expected Victoria to agree so readily.

When Alexander took her hand and rested his other hand lightly on her waist, she stared up at his striking features, her pulse racing uncontrollably—she missed a step.

Flushing crimson, she glanced at Alexander in mortified hesitation.

Alexander paused briefly before speaking gently, "Relax."

His calm demeanor steadied her. After murmuring an apology, she gradually matched his rhythm.

Initially, Victoria hadn't cared about the switch.

One dance couldn't threaten her relationship with Alexander.

But seeing the girl's starry-eyed admiration for Alexander made Victoria's fingers tighten involuntarily.

Oliver had never viewed Victoria romantically—she was his best friend's girlfriend.

The switch had been impulsive.

Yet now, holding Victoria's hand felt strangely uncomfortable.

His free hand hovered awkwardly near her waist.

Victoria glared. "It's just a dance. Alexander won't mind."

Oliver forced a laugh. "Right."

Meanwhile, Isabella and Alexander were gradually drifting closer.

Isabella remained oblivious.

Suddenly, Alexander's voice cut through the music. "Sebastian, care to switch?"

Isabella turned sharply, meeting Alexander's intense gaze.

Sebastian hesitated. "Ms. Sinclair, would you—"

Before he finished, Alexander had already made the exchange, passing his partner to Sebastian.

Had Sebastian not caught her, she might have stumbled.

Seeing Alexander secure Isabella, Sebastian had no choice but to release her and steady the other woman at her waist.

It happened too fast—Isabella barely registered the shift before finding herself securely in Alexander's arms.