Chapter 974

Rosalind scrambled to her feet, her elegant dress now wrinkled and her hair disheveled.

She shot Lucian a wounded glance. "Mr. Graves..."

Lucian, seated beside Genevieve, lifted his icy gaze and stated coolly, "You lunged at me without warning. I merely moved aside."

Genevieve smirked subtly.

Isabella's face burned with humiliation—she knew Genevieve was mocking her. Clenching her fists, she snapped, "What's so amusing?"

Genevieve flicked her a glance. "Isn't it obvious? You."

Isabella's brows furrowed. "Are you enjoying my misfortune? Why must women tear each other down?"

Genevieve's lips curved.

"Let's be clear. That wasn't a simple fall—you were throwing yourself at a man. Failed, and now you're taking it out on me?" Her sharp eyes swept the room. "Besides, I'm not the only one laughing. Why single me out?"

Isabella was speechless. She hadn't expected Genevieve to be so quick-witted.

She sneered, "Everyone's laughing at me for falling. If you're so bold, why don't you get up and dance?"

Isabella was baiting her.

Lucian's expression darkened as he turned to Genevieve. "You're pregnant. No dancing."

"I bet you can't dance anyway," Isabella taunted. "Not everyone has the talent."

Genevieve smiled. "Are you certain about that?"

Isabella challenged, "Prove it then. Get up there!"

Genevieve rose gracefully. "Fine. Watch closely."

Lucian seized her wrist. "No. You're not doing this."

He wouldn't allow it.

Genevieve met his gaze. "Let me go. Tonight's the perfect opportunity to teach her a lesson—to show her what real skill looks like."

With that, she firmly pulled free.

Lucian's jaw tightened, but with the crowd watching, he restrained himself. He couldn't make a scene.

The wealthy onlookers buzzed with excitement.

"Ms. Fairchild, are you really going to dance for us?"

"Isabella's renowned for her skills. Even after that embarrassing fall, she's incredible. Can you top that?"

Isabella was confident in her abilities. She wanted to humiliate Genevieve, to make her own grace shine brighter by comparison.

Genevieve was smiling the widest. Finally, the two rivals were facing off! Tonight promised entertainment, and Genevieve intended to relish every moment.

She said sweetly, "Ms. Fairchild is an heiress. I'm sure her performance will surpass Isabella's. Let's all witness it. She won't disappoint."