Chapter 41: Come Over Tonight

Ursula's had labeled him an 'old fox,' but her face betrayed only confusion. "Dylan, what's going on?"

Dylan relayed the latest gossip. "Heard that Raymond Lewis guy from Isaac Martin got carted off to the hospital. No idea what went down."

Ursula gave a noncommittal nod, feigning disinterest, which Dylan didn't question.

Only Timothy seemed to study Matthew's stoic face thoughtfully.

"Why so quiet all of a sudden?" Dylan grumbled, feeling left out. The evening's odd vibe had even gotten to her. Matthew, Ursula, Timothy, all acting off.

Feeling sidelined, especially when she was meant to shine tonight, didn't sit well with her.

The room's Star Projector dimmed, replaced by a soft, golden glow, sparing them from further questions. The announcement of the final event, the dance, came just in time, and Dylan perked up, pulling Matthew to the floor. "Come on, Matthew, let's show them how it's done."

"Alright." Matthew agreed, letting Dylan lead.

Dylan called back to Ursula. "Don't take too long or I'll be the night's queen!"

Timothy extended his hand to Ursula with a genteel bow. "May I have this dance?"

Ursula took his hand with a playful retort. "Sure, but I'm more the wicked stepmother type."

Timothy's smile widened. He liked that she was different, every woman wants to be the princess, she joked about being the stepmother.

They joined the dance floor, where the dim lights obscured the other dancers, allowing partners to focus only on each other.

The music set a romantic tone, and Ursula, who claimed to be a poor dancer, surprised Timothy with her grace, until she deliberately stepped on his foot.

"Sorry!" she exclaimed, feigning clumsiness.

"It's fine, just keep the rhythm," Timothy reassured her, but Ursula's "missteps" continued.

Internally, she breathed a sigh of relief. Her true talent for dance remained her secret.

"I should sit this out." Ursula suggested, feeling guilty.

Timothy leaned in close. "Don't worry, I don't mind a little pain."

Flustered, Ursula was speechless.

Then the music swelled, signaling a partner change. Suddenly, Ursula found herself in a familiar, smoky-scent embrace Matthew's.

"Is dancing with me so bad?" he asked with a deep, alluring voice.

"Why are you here?" she asked.

"Why not?" he replied, his breath warm on her ear.

Ursula's politeness waned as she stepped harder, expressing her frustration.

Matthew just pulled her closer, his voice low and seductive. "I don't mind."

Ursula bristled. "Mr. Lu, behave yourself."

His hand moved lower on her back. "Like this?"

"Stop!" Ursula protested, but he continued, implying Timothy had taught her to dance like this.

She retorted, "Timothy respects me."

Matthew relaxed slightly, pleased Timothy hadn't overstepped.

"Do you remember your promises to me?" Matthew's voice was soft, but his words made Ursula tense.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"Stay with me tonight." he said clearly.

"Impossible." Ursula shot back instantly. How dare he, especially now, when he was with Dylan? His audacity pained her.