Chapter 526
Chapter 526:
She was ready to drag him over there herself. William just stared at her, long enough to make her sweat.
Finally, he raised his glass with a small smile. “It’s just a dance. Why wouldn’t I help?”
Sharon exhaled hard in relief. “Good. I’m counting on you. Take care of her, okay? I really do need the restroom now.”
And off she went again, disappearing into the crowd.
Meanwhile, Stella was still waiting, wine in hand, glancing around in confusion. Where was Sharon?
Then she saw him. William, walking toward her, calm and composed, stopped right in front of her and extended his hand.
“May I have the honor of this first dance, Ms. Russell?”
Stella blinked, stunned. She hadn’t expected him to show up.
Almost instinctively, she shook her head. “Sorry, I already promised my friend.”
William didn’t withdraw his hand. Instead, he replied smoothly, “Your friend asked me to take her place.”
Stella’s eyes widened. “Sharon sent you?”
He nodded. “She said she wasn’t feeling well and had to go to the restroom. She asked me to stand in.”
Then, after a beat, he stepped in a little closer, his voice low and steady. “So… are you going to turn me down, Ms. Russell?”
Stella froze for a moment, her breath catching. After a brief pause, she gently placed her hand into his dry palm. “Alright then.”
William gave a small smile and rested his hand on her waist with quiet confidence.
Stella took in a quick breath, her body tensing and her shoulders tightening, but her eyes stayed on him.
“Relax,” William said, his voice calm and steady.
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Not far off, Sharon had been watching the whole thing, unnoticed. She let out a long breath, finally able to relax as she saw them dancing in sync. “Yes!” she cheered silently. “I knew I had this under control!”
On the dance floor, Stella asked him a few more questions about the project. William answered each one patiently, not rushing.
As they continued discussing work, Stella slowly began to unwind. The stiffness faded, and before long, she was moving more freely, spinning lightly as William guided her.
The song ended, and Sharon came running over with quick steps.
“Sorry, Stel. My stomach was acting up, so I couldn’t join you. Thanks, Mr. Briggs. You two looked like you were really enjoying that dance, huh?”
Stella stepped back, putting a bit of space between herself and William. “Mr. Briggs and I just talked about the project. It helped me loosen up a bit.” Sharon’s smile faltered.
“Wait… you were talking about work? While dancing?” she asked, stunned.
Stella nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “There were some parts I didn’t get, and Mr. Briggs explained them to me.”
Sharon looked completely defeated. “Stel, I’ve come to a conclusion—you’re just not built for romance.”
After all the chances she’d tried to create, Stella hadn’t caught on to any of them. Not even one.
.
.
.