The moment Ethan Blackwood extended his hand toward Ariana, the air around them seemed to still. Conversations blurred into the background, the soft hum of the orchestra setting a perfect stage for what felt like an impending battle of wits and intrigue.
Sophia's smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but she recovered quickly, masking her displeasure behind a charming giggle. Lucas, on the other hand, was less composed. His jaw tightened, his fingers curling slightly into a fist at his side.
Ariana smirked. "I'd love to."
Ethan led her toward the center of the grand ballroom where couples were already dancing to a classic waltz. The moment they stepped onto the polished marble floor, the room seemed to shrink around them. Eyes followed their every move....some in admiration, others in envy.
The music swelled, and Ethan placed one hand firmly at her waist while the other held hers with a gentle yet commanding touch. Ariana allowed herself to be led, moving effortlessly with him. He was a flawless dancer, his movements sharp yet fluid, as if he had spent years perfecting the art.
"You dance well," she murmured, letting a small smile play on her lips.
Ethan's gaze held hers steadily, amusement flickering in his silver eyes. "I don't do things unless I can do them well, Miss Carter."
"A man of high standards?"
"You could say that."
Ariana tilted her head slightly, studying him. His expression remained unreadable, but there was an undeniable air of intrigue surrounding him. He wasn't just a businessman—he was a strategist, someone who played the long game.
She decided to test the waters.
"You seem to know Lucas."
Ethan's grip on her waist remained steady, but his eyes darkened slightly, barely noticeable to an untrained observer.
"I know many people in this room," he replied evasively.
Ariana chuckled softly. "That wasn't an answer."
Ethan smirked. "It wasn't a question either."
She liked his game, but she wouldn't let him win this easily.
"Lucas seems tense around you," she continued, watching his reaction carefully. "One might think there's history there."
Ethan twirled her effortlessly before pulling her back into the close embrace of the waltz. His smirk deepened. "History is a fascinating thing. It has a way of shaping people, don't you think?"
Ariana's heart raced—not because of the dance, but because she knew she was on the right track.
"Let's talk about history then," she said smoothly. "Specifically, yours with Lucas and Sophia."
Ethan chuckled, the sound deep and rich. "You're quite direct, aren't you?"
"I find it saves time."
He studied her for a long moment, the intensity of his gaze almost unnerving. Then, he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just enough that only she could hear.
"Why the sudden interest in them?"
Ariana met his gaze without hesitation.
"Let's just say I don't like surprises."
Ethan exhaled through his nose, as if debating something internally. Then, he tilted his head, guiding her through another turn before pulling her even closer.
"I don't give away information for free, Miss Carter."
She expected that.
"And what is it that you want?" she asked, her voice just as low.
Ethan's lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. "That's something you'll have to figure out."
Ariana narrowed her eyes slightly. "I don't play games I can't win, Mr. Blackwood."
Ethan leaned in just enough for his breath to brush against her ear. "Then play wisely."
As their dance continued, Ariana noticed Lucas watching them from the sidelines, his jaw clenched. Sophia, standing beside him, looked equally displeased, though she masked it better than Lucas.
Ariana leaned closer to Ethan. "I think we're being watched."
Ethan smirked. "Let them watch."
The song neared its end, and with one final graceful twirl, Ethan dipped her slightly before pulling her upright again. The applause that followed was distant noise to Ariana's ears.
It was a dance, but it wasn't just a dance. It was a negotiation, a power play, a silent battle where neither of them was willing to lose.
As the final note of the waltz played, Ethan lifted her hand to his lips, brushing a ghost of a kiss against her knuckles."Thank you for the dance, Miss Carter."
Ariana's heart thudded, but she merely smiled. "Likewise, Mr. Blackwood."
As Ethan walked away, Lucas approached almost immediately, his expression carefully neutral.
"Ariana," he greeted smoothly.
She arched a brow. "Lucas."
"You looked… close with Ethan," he remarked, feigning casualness.
Ariana smirked. "Did we?"
Lucas's jaw twitched. "Be careful around him."
Ariana tilted her head. "Why? Are you worried about me?"
Lucas hesitated. "I'm just saying, he's not someone to trust."
Ariana let out a soft chuckle. "Funny. Someone else just told me the same thing about you."
Lucas stiffened.
Bingo.
Ariana leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a whisper. "What are you hiding, Lucas?"
For the first time in a long time, Lucas looked genuinely unsettled. His gaze flickered for a moment....just a moment to Sophia, who was watching their interaction closely.
Ariana followed his line of sight.
And suddenly, everything clicked.
She wasn't just dealing with personal betrayal.
There was something bigger—something that involved power, deception, and manipulation.
And Ethan Blackwood held the missing pieces.
Ariana turned back to Lucas, giving him one last smile before stepping away. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."
As she walked off, she made a silent promise.
She would uncover every secret Lucas and Sophia were hiding.
And when she did…
She would destroy them.