The grand hall of the Carter estate was brimming with elegance, the chandeliers casting a golden glow over the sea of high-class guests draped in the finest fabrics money could buy. Every man and woman strutted in, adorned in their most expensive and carefully curated attire, eager to outshine each other in a silent battle of wealth and status.
In the corner, far from the chaotic preening, Rose and Vivienne stood like spectators at a fashion disaster parade.
"Viv, do you see that lady in the blue dress?" Rose whispered, nudging Vivienne.
Vivienne squinted and then gasped. "You mean the one who looks like her gown was made out of an old curtain?"
Rose stifled a laugh. "I was going to say a misplaced wedding cake, but yours is better."
"Oh, and look at that man over there. The one in the checkered suit." Vivienne pointed discreetly.
Rose glanced over and winced. "Oh no... he looks like a chessboard that lost half its pieces."
"No, Rose, he looks like he escaped from a 1960s jazz club and hasn't realized what century it is!" Vivienne snorted.
Both girls laughed under their breaths, completely ignoring the refined air around them as they continued their lighthearted roasting session.
As the night progressed, Maxwell Carter took to the stage, clearing his throat before beginning his speech. He spoke with authority and charm, thanking everyone for attending and celebrating the success of his latest business venture. The guests listened with rapt attention, and at the end of his speech, a thunderous applause filled the room.
Then came the traditional first dance. As expected, Maxwell took his wife, Flourish, by the hand, and together they led the ballroom into a graceful waltz. Soon, couples joined in, their movements synchronized with the enchanting music that drifted through the hall.
Vivienne sighed dramatically. "Ugh, it's always the same. Old people slow dancing like they're in a romance novel."
Rose grinned mischievously. "Why don't we show them how it's done?"
Vivienne's eyes widened in delight. "You want to dance with me?"
"Why not? We're the best-looking people in this room anyway."
Vivienne giggled. "Okay, let's do it!"
They took each other's hands and twirled into the dance floor. Their movements were graceful yet playful, drawing more than a few amused and impressed glances. Rose's dress sparkled under the lights, making her stand out effortlessly.
Then, the inevitable happened. One by one, eager bachelors, enchanted by Rose's presence, started making their way toward her.
"Excuse me, miss, may I have this dance?" One bold gentleman asked.
Vivienne didn't even let Rose open her mouth before answering. "No, she's dancing with me."
A second man appeared. "Would you honor me with—"
"She's busy. Next!" Vivienne shooed him away like a fly.
"Excuse me, but I—"
"Do you not see we are in the middle of something? Thank you, NEXT!"
It became a game at this point. One suitor after another, bravely attempting to steal a dance with Rose, only to be instantly rejected by her fiercely protective and highly amused dance partner.
Meanwhile, across the room, Julian Carter stood in the middle of a conversation with a powerful businessman. His usual sharp focus wavered as his gaze inadvertently drifted toward the dance floor. His sister was spinning and laughing with Rose, and for some reason, an unfamiliar warmth settled in his chest. It wasn't just the sight of her dancing—it was the way she shined under the soft glow of the chandeliers, how effortlessly she carried herself, how her laughter seemed to brighten the entire room.
He shook his head slightly, trying to rid himself of the strange sensation.
"Something wrong, Mr. Carter?" the businessman asked.
Julian straightened up. "Nothing at all," he said smoothly, though his eyes lingered on Rose just a moment longer.
As the music faded, signaling the end of the dance, Vivienne took a dramatic bow. "And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you own the ballroom!"
Rose chuckled, breathless. "I think you just scared away half the men in this room."
"Good," Vivienne smirked. "They were unworthy."
The rest of the evening unfolded in a swirl of chatter, desserts, and stolen glances. But one thing was clear—Rose had certainly made an impression that night, on more than just the single men vying for her attention.