The group was positioned at the center of the stage, elevated just a few inches from the floor.

Katelyn had chosen high heels for the occasion.

Caught off guard, she lost her balance and tilted forward, a move that could easily result in a twisted ankle if she were to fall. Katelyn shut her eyes tightly, bracing for the pain that was about to come.

However, instead of agony, she found herself enveloped in a strong, secure embrace, a subtle scent of sandalwood surrounding her.

This scent was unmistakably familiar. It was the fragrance that always seemed to soothe her nerves.

Vincent had swiftly caught her, his arm securely around her waist, the other gently on her shoulder.

With a hint of humor in his cold voice, he whispered, “Found you.”

Katelyn exhaled in relief, her body half-suspended and completely reliant on Vincent’s physical support. She instinctively clung to his arm and gave a playful wink, saying, “Thank you, Mr. Adams.”

Had Vincent been even a second later, her ankle would have met the floor harshly.

Both were masked, yet the intensity of their connection couldn’t be hidden. The stage lights caught in Katelyn’s eyes, revealing a small reflection of herself in Vincent’s dark pupils.

She saw her own image there.

For some reason, her cheeks began to warm. The surrounding air seemed to grow hotter.

Vincent’s lips curled into a small smile. With a gentle pull, he drew Katelyn closer and spun her around.

She landed smoothly on her feet, just as the waltz music abruptly stopped.

? ? ν?

They had found each other in the final moment.

Their nearly perfect “hero saves the beauty” scene prompted enthusiastic applause from the audience.

“Just in time,” Vincent said.

He leaned slightly toward the stage as the music shifted once more, now a mellow yet cheerful piano melody playing in the background.

He gazed at Katelyn, his voice low and a bit raspy.

“Do you dance?”

“Yes,” Katelyn responded immediately, without hesitation.

Though she had been disowned by the Bailey family, Katelyn had once been given the finest education from a young age. Dancing had become almost instinctual for her.

Katelyn placed her hand in the bend of Vincent’s arm, and he encircled her waist with his arm. Their other hands came together, fingers interlocking. As their eyes met, a shared warmth and understanding surged between them.

Katelyn gave a small nod.

They began to dance gracefully to the beat of the music. For those in their elevated social circles, dancing—particularly ballroom dancing—was a fundamental skill, taught from childhood.

Though this was their first dance together, they moved as though they had been partners for years.

Katelyn danced with grace and finesse, keeping perfectly in time with the rhythm. She raised Vincent’s hand above her head and twirled. The broad hem of her dress spread out like a flower in full bloom. A gentle smile appeared on her lips, light as a spring breeze, utterly enchanting.

Vincent’s gaze remained fixed on her, his eyes growing darker with each passing moment. It was as though an artist were painting her on his heart, each brushstroke capturing the essence of Katelyn’s features.

The music seemed to fade into the background, along with the noise of the crowd, leaving only the two of them in their own world.

Katelyn was completely absorbed in the music. She spun around Vincent like a butterfly, her skirt swirling around him, each turn graceful and fluid. Fresh chapters posted on find~novel~net

At one point, a spotlight switched on, focusing solely on them.

Katelyn appeared as if she were a celestial being descending to earth. Even the other dancers paused to watch, captivated by the stunning display unfolding before them.

Someone couldn’t resist commenting, “What a beautiful dance! They look perfect together.”

Vincent kept up with Katelyn’s steps. As the music drew to a close, he twirled her, her hand resting on his neck, and ended the performance with a flawless dip. Loud applause filled the air around them.

“That was spectacular! I’ve never witnessed such an impressive dance duet!” someone exclaimed.

“Is that woman a professional dancer? Her performance was breathtaking,” another observer said.

Katelyn stood up straight, her eyes brimming with happiness. She turned to Vincent, whose look of deep admiration caused her heart to flutter once more.

Vincent gazed at her gently. “That was a beautiful dance.”

They remained on the stage, bathed in enthusiastic applause, while envious eyes watched them from the shadows.

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