?Chapter 928:


    “Okay.” Brendon gave a brief nod to Ynda and turned to make his way toward the center of the dance floor.


    But after only a few steps, the romantic, lilting music abruptly ceased. Brendon stopped dead in his tracks, his expression tightening in stunned disbelief. Why had the music suddenly stopped?


    His eyes swept toward the middle of the dance floor, where he caught sight of Christina giving a slight nod to the men around her before turning away and walking off.


    Brendon’s face darkened with frustration. He hadn’t even had the chance topete with the men around Christina yet. If only he could have stepped out onto that floor, he might have eclipsed them entirely and won her attention. After all, Christina had once cared for him deeply; it was unthinkable that she would not choose him if given the chance.


    Suddenly, a hand closed around his own. Startled, Brendon blinked and turned, meeting Ynda’s demure smile. “Since Christina doesn’t need our help anymore, why don’t we dance?” Her voice was softer than usual, almost coaxing.


    Brendon’s eyes lingered on Christina’s retreating silhouette, his chest tightening with reluctant longing. Then, with a faint trace of spite curling in his tone, he gave a swift reply. “Alright.”


    “Then let’s go.” Ynda’s lips curved into a delighted smile.


    “Wait.” Brendon held her hand firmly, then reached up to remove the mask from his own face and ced it gently over hers. “You look beautiful.”


    “Thank you.” Ynda let out a light giggle. “Earlier, I gave my mask to Katie. Luckily, you gave Katie’s mask to me.”


    “Yeah.” Brendon’s reply carried a note of indifference. He guided her toward the center of the dance floor, though his gaze never left Christina’s back. If she happened to turn around, she would see him dancing with Ynda.


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    Brendon had removed his mask for one purpose only—to ensure Christina recognized him instantly, hoping the sight would stir a sharp pang of jealousy.


    Christina, however, didn’t even notice Brendon. Instead, her eyes swept across the hall, searching for Terrence. When her gaze flicked over her shoulder, it met Brendon’s. Seeing the faint smugness in his expression, she knitted her brows in confusion.


    What was wrong with him? It was just a dance—why was he acting as if it were some grand victory to unt?


    Christina decided Brendon wasn’t worth her time and continued scanning the banquet hall. Her brows furrowed, puzzled at how quickly Terrence had vanished. In only a short span, he had disappeared entirely from sight. She didn’t know what he was plotting, but instinct told her his intentions went beyondpeting with Dn for her favor.<fn51b7> Checktest chapters at F?nd-Novel</fn51b7>


    Earlier, she had noticed Robin and Elliott join the stir on the dance floor alongside Terrence. Though their faces were hidden behind masks, she had recognized them instantly. They, too, had slipped away swiftly, leaving no trace.


    Failing to find Terrence after a brief search, Christina shifted her focus to locating Lorraine. They had struck a wager—if she seeded in inviting Dn to dance, Lorraine would have to leave the birthday banquet immediately. Before long, Christina’s eyes fell on a figure trying to sneak away, and she hastened after her.


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