Natalie gave Marcus a gentle smile and a small wave as a greeting. After finishing her speech, it was time for the opening dance.


    William took the microphone, intending to say a few more words, but his emotions got the better of him. Overwhelmed, he waved his hand and handed the microphone to Lincoln instead.


    Lincoln took the microphone and smiled. "This youngdy standing beside me is my younger sister, Natalie Walker. Everyone, do you think she looks like me?"


    His deep, maic voice resonated through the hall. "Everyone used to know the daughter of the Walker family as Emma. But from this moment forward, there is only one true daughter of the Walker family. That is my parents'' biological daughter, my sister, Natalie.


    "I hope everyone will look after my sister and take care of her, just as you have done for me and my parents.


    "If my sister ever makes a mistake or unintentionally offends someone, please do not hold it against her. Let me know, and as her older brother, I will take


    responsibility. Whether it requires an apology orpensation, I will handle it. But do noty a hand on her."


    Someone in the crowdughed and called out, "Mr. Lincoln, you must be joking. Ms. Walker is like a goddess. We wouldn''t even have time to adore her, let alone reprimand her."


    "Not to mention, Ms. Walker is gracious, gentle, and polite. Even if she did bully us, we would consider it an honor."


    "Getting bullied by a goddess? That would be a privilege."


    Hearing this, Lincoln couldn''t help but chuckle. "Thank you, everyone. If I misspoke, I ask for your understanding. Today is simply a day of joy for us."


    Even if Natalie were to offend someone, no one would dare to reprimand her. However, Lincoln''s statement made it clear to everyone that while they could disregard Emma, Natalie was someone they absolutely couldn''t afford to offend. The guests were astute enough to grasp the deeper meaning behind his words. Lincoln continued, "Thank you, everyone. Let us invite Mr. Holden and Natalie to perform the opening dance."


    His gaze turned toward Marcus. The crowd instinctively made way as Marcus stepped forward, his movementsposed and steady.


    When he reached Natalie, he gave a gentleman''s bow. She ced her hand in his palm, and he held it lightly as they descended the staircase and stepped onto the dance floor.


    As the music began to y, the two of them started to dance. Despite never rehearsing together, their movements were unexpectedly harmonious and wless.


    Under the spotlight, Marcus'' tall frame stood at an imposing height of 6 feet and 3 inches. Dressed in a well-tailored ck suit, his broad shoulders and long legs entuated his elegant posture.


    Natalie, with her slender figure and swan-like neck, wore a diamond-encrusted gown that shimmered under the light. The contrast between his dark attire and her light gown created an unspoken entanglement, a tension that lingered in the air. His long, clean fingers rested lightly on her waist, while her hand gentlyy on his arm. With their other hands interlocked, they gracefully swayed to the rhythm of the music.


    Their synchronized steps moved in perfect harmony. The flowing gown sparkled like a constetion of stars, their well-matched figures drawing every gaze in the


    room.


    Marcus had initially assumed that Natalie, having grown up in the Langley family, wouldn''t know how to dance. Given the documented mistreatment she suffered at the hands of Victor and Diana, it was unlikely she had ever received formal training.


    To his surprise, she not only knew how to dance but did so with effortless precision. Every step fell perfectly in line with his, never missing a beat.


    As the music reached its final note, Marcus executed thest movement with practiced ease. Natalie matched his timing wlessly, her flowing gown settling gracefully around her feet like falling stardust.


    The room erupted into enthusiastic apuse.


    Natalie lifted her gown slightly and gave the audience an elegant curtsy.


    Marcus also bowed before taking her hand and leading her out of the dance floor. Although this was called a wee party, it was, in reality, an asion for William and Charlotte to formally introduce Natalie to everyone in Dithoria State. As soon as they left the dance floor, Charlotte approached, taking Natalie''s hand with a warm smile. "Nat, let''s change into another dress and refresh your look."


    "Alright." Natalieplied, giving Marcus a slight nod before leaving with Charlotte.


    Marcus remained in ce as Lincoln approached him, handing him a ss of champagne. "My sister is beautiful, isn''t she?"


    Marcus epted the ss. "She is very beautiful."


    While dancing with her, he had caught the faint fragrance of jasmine from her. The gentle swirl of her gown, the elegance in her every movement, and her exquisite beauty had momentarily left him dazed.


    Lincoln let out a soft chuckle. "Marcus, you better not have regrets."


    Marcus turned to him."Regret what?"


    "It''s nothing." Lincoln raised his ss in a toast. "There are a lot of guests, and we may not be able to attend to everyone properly. I hope you understand."


    "There is no need for formalities." Marcus took a sip of his drink before adding, "I am feeling a little tired. Can you arrange a ce for me to rest?"


    "Of course."


    Lincoln led Marcus to a lounge on the third floor. "I will have the maid bring some refreshments. You can rest here, and when the party resumes, I will send someone to fetch you."


    "Thank you."


    Marcus sank into the couch, feeling an unfamiliar warmth lingering inchis palm. During the dance, he had been so focused on every step, afraid of making a mistake and tarnishing Natalie''s important night.


    As he rxed, he realized how uncharacteristically tense he had been during their performance.


    A soft knock sounded at the door. He looked up and saw Charles was standing there, supported by Sheldon. His aged yet sharp eyes were fixed on him.


    "Grandpa."


    Charles gave a slight nod to Sheldon, who immediately stepped outside and shut the door behind him.


    "I took quite a few pictures of you and Natalie."


    Charles walked over and sat across from him."Watching the two of you dance,


    even an old man like me felt excited. If only you had never broken off the engagement, how wonderful that would be."


    He couldn''t help but sigh. Although


    as


    Marcus had been chosen Natalie''s dance partner at the


    insistence of his parents, seeing


    neve


    them together had stirred something deep inside him. The sight of them standing side by side, both strikingly beautiful, was


    reminiscent of a wedding ceremony.


    "Grandpa, please don''t say such things. It might not be good for Ms. Walker''s reputation." Marcus pinched the bridge of his nose. "She deserves someone


    better."


    "Are you saying you''re not good enough?"


    "Yes. I am not good enough."


    For a moment, even Charles didn''t know how to respond.


    "Marc, tell me honestly. Do you regret it?" he finally asked.


    "There is nothing to regret." Marcus let out a faint smile. "Ms. Walker is stunning


    and exceptional. She truly deserves someone better."


    Charles was speechless. "Then, tell me, what are your thoughts on Sophia?"


    "Sophia is a good friend of mine. That will never change."


    Charles had a feeling something was off. If they were only friends, why had Marcus always protected Sophia so fiercely?


    He had done even more for Sophia than Sky, her own boyfriend.


    "Marc, you better not have feelings for Sophia. She already has a boyfriend, and


    you absolutely cannot be an interloper."


    Marcus remained silent. He was simply grateful to her for helping him when they were children. That was all.