Chapter 39: She was the Wicked Queen

Timothy sat in his car, his contemplative eyes were locked on the apartment building. Was Ursula still hesitant to let him into her world?

Descending the stairs in her elegant gown, Ursula caught Timothy's gaze. He was immediately struck by her beauty. "You look stunning tonight." He said, genuine awe in his voice.

"Thank you," Ursula blushed. She felt ordinary despite the light makeup and the simple kindness in Timothy's words.

Yet Timothy saw the truth. The black dress clung to her, highlighting her porcelain skin and the subtle allure of her collarbone. Its design was deceptively simple from the front but daring at the back, revealing just enough to drive people crazy.

"If I could," he mused, "I'd keep you away from the reception and just admire you all evening."

Ursula, slightly flustered by his directness, replied, "I didn't realize you had such a way with words." She hadn't even checked her reflection before leaving, the idea of the dance hadn't excited her.

Timothy started the car, and they headed to the Empire Hotel, a symbol of high society where being seen was a silent nod to one's status.

Arriving at the venue, they were greeted by a parade of luxury cars and a swirl of socialites and stars. Reporters buzzed around, hunting for their next big story.

Inside the hotel, Ursula entered on Timothy's arm, the grand chandeliers above casting a glow on the elite gathering below.

Many recognized Timothy, nodding and greeting him with respect, and Ursula realized his standing in the city.

Dylan tapped Ursula's shoulder, almost not recognizing her. "Finally here, I see," she said.

Ursula turned with a smile. "You're the belle of the ball, Dylan."

Dylan shone in her pink ruffled dress, looking every bit the princess, while her date's sharp suit made them the center of attention.

Ursula felt like the contrast in her black dress, a queen from a fairy tale, was a fitting irony.

"You always had good taste." Dylan laughed, knowing her own innocent look was preferred by someone like Matthew.

Matthew's eyes held a fleeting, unreadable emotion.

"Indeed." Ursula replied with a soft smile.

If Dylan was a rose, Ursula was a wild lily, an effortless charm that held many captivated. A single cool glance from Matthew made admirers look away.

"Time to dance, and you're joining," Dylan insisted, having prepared extensively for the evening's highlight.

"I'm not really a dancer." Ursula confessed, feeling Matthew's skeptical gaze. He knew her past grace on the dance floor, but she didn't want to dance tonight.

"I remember you had some moves in college," Dylan said, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"Don't worry, I'll lead." Timothy offered, confident in his ability to guide her.

Ursula hesitated, but Matthew interjected, "With Mr. He's confidence, why not? It's not like a small misstep would be noticed."

Ursula sensed a deeper meaning in his words, but couldn't pinpoint it. She reluctantly agreed to dance, feeling a mix of protest and vulnerability.

Dylan, catching someone's eye, excused herself with Matthew to meet her parents, her manner suggesting a serious step in their relationship.

Ursula watched them leave, hoping Matthew had moved past their history.

"Would you like a drink?" Timothy's voice pulled her back.

"Just some juice, please," Ursula requested.

"Wait here," Timothy said, leaving her momentarily alone.

Ursula's eyes lingered on Matthew and Dylan, with their warm and influential families. The Jing's only daughter was cherished, and it showed in the family's harmonious facade.