Rebel 13

But to her surprise , she found herself the one led her hand in his as he effortlessly guided her into the heart of the dance floor .

The world shrank to just the two of them .

Under the chandeliers shimmering light , his features were sculpted from marble , his eyes and deep , pulling her in like a tide .

dark When the final note lingered in the air , their last step was in perfect harmony .

His arm wrapped around her tighter , drawing her closer .

For a moment , she could do nothing but look up at him .

caught in the stillness of the moment .

Time stretched , and the world seemed to pause .

The sudden eruption of applause shattered the silence , and Jessica snapped back to reality .

She instinctively withdrew from his embrace .

Im going to get a drink , she murmured , her voice betraying a haste she didnt quite feel .

Charless gaze followed her , a faint , almost amused smile playing on his lips .

Was she … embarrassed : At the drinks table , Jessica allowed herself a brief moment of relief .

But before she could even fully exhale , a hand gripped her wrist , pulling her with surprising force .

Hugh ? What are you doing ? she demanded , confusion mingling with the cold tension that crackled between them .

What did he want this time ? Without a word , Hugh wrenched her away from the ballroom , dragging her down the dim.

corridor .

Jessica summoned every ounce of her strength , breaking free from his grasp .

She spun to face him , eyes flashing .

Where are we going ? she asked , her voice steady but laced with annoyance .

His glare was sharp enough to cut glass .

Jessica , leave .

Dont you dare ruin this for me and Rhea ! His fury only made her chuckle softly .

Whats wrong ? Are you afraid ? She locked eyes with him , cool and unyielding .

Five years ago , she had been broken devastated -bur Hugh had moved on , marrying Rhea .

Had he ever truly loved her ? Had he ever cared ? He tossed her aside like some toy hed grown bored of playing with .

1/3 4.44 PM Jessica paused just long enough to steady herself .

She turned , a faint smile pulling at the corner of her lips .

Im Charles date .

If I vanish , Im sure hell start to worry .

With a last , dismissive glance , she walked on , her steps unshaken , her confidence unwavering .

In the corner , Rhea watched the entire scene unfold .

Her fists tightened .

She hadnt anticipated Jessicas audacity how untouchable she seemed .

Rheas gaze turned cold , burning with fury , Jessica thought she could rely on Charles ? Not a chance .

Jessica returned to the ballroom but found no trace of Charles .

She searched , but he was nowhere to be found , likely tied up with some business .

She picked up a glass of juice , taking a long sip , savoring the coolness as it slid down her throat .

Then , Rhea appeared at the center of the room .

She stepped onto the stage , her movements .

graceful , but her voice was a weapon as she took the microphone .

Ladies and gentlemen , thank you for joining us tonight .

Now , Id like to play a game .

Ill need someone to participate .

Her eyes scanned the crowd before settling on Jessica .

A smirk appeared , chilling and triumphant .

You , miss .

Please , come up here .

All eyes turned to Jessica , the weight of every gaze pressing down .

For a moment , surprise flickered across Jessicas face .

She met Rheas gaze , sensing the venom behind the smile .

Let them try .

Whatever Rhea had planned , Jessica was ready to face it .

With grace , Jessica made her way to the stage , every step confident , every movement sure .

At that exact moment , Charles reentered the room , having just finished his phone call .

He paused in the doorway , his gaze landing on Jessica as she climbed the stage .

His steps faltered , and he hesitated , choosing to stay outside .