It quietened down a little over on Nancy’s side when they heard that unexpected question. People looked in the direction of the voice, one after another.


    Ariel was momentarily dazed. She had chosen a seat located in a far corner. Yet, someone actually made an effort to get past Chad and ask her the question.


    She raised her head and gazed at the man before her.


    He was a tall and handsome man, full of vigor. This person gave off both a boyish charm and a mature vibe. He had a firm, sincere look in his eyes as he looked down at Ariel.


    Ariel stiffened.


    Beside her, Janice immediately answered, “Of course! No problem!”


    The man gazed at Ariel expectantly and waited patiently for her answer.


    The people on the other side witnessed what was happening at Ariel’s side.


    Nancy frowned slightly. She had never met the man before, so she had no idea who he was. However, that person hadn’t tried to hide the attraction he felt for Ariel, be it through his speech or actions.


    Nancy found that rather shocking.


    Jayson had directed his gaze to that side as well. His eyes were unreadable. However, he was staring at Ariel pensively this time. He didn’t look away even after some time.


    Zach was the only person whose expression changed upon seeing what had happened.


    On the stage, Lucas was looking this way with an enigmatic smile on his face.


    He knew all along how Ariel had nevercked suitors ever since she was old enough to date. Despite her meek, gentle appearance, Ariel was actually pretty guarded. She often chose to ignore her suitors‘ advances.


    For a moment, the air around them felt a bit tense.


    Ariel looked at the man. She didn’t hesitate for too long as she gave a slight nod. “Sure.”


    Considering the ce and the asion, Ariel decided not to spoil the mood when someone had already asked her for a dance.


    She ced her hand on that man’s outstretched hand.


    Samson Pryce, who was feeling nervous initially, was instantly filled with relief. In a gentlemanly manner, he took Ariel’s hand and led her to the dance floor.


    He ced his hand lightly on Ariel’s waist and said in a low voice, “I’ll try to go along with your pace.”


    Ariel lowered her gaze. “Alright. Thank you.”


    Ariel wasn’t particrly good at dancing. Nevertheless, she had learned the basic steps and was flexible enough. She still looked graceful as she danced.


    Samson’s eyes crinkled. He subconsciously softened his tone after hearing her gentle voice. “You’re wee.”


    The good–looking pair caught quite a lot of people’s attention.


    Lucas‘ eyes narrowed. His smile had faltered slightly. Then, he cast a meaningful nce in Jayson’s direction.


    Jayson exuded a dignified air as he remained seated. He was no longer looking at Ariel. He turned his gaze toward Nancy. “You should go ahead and dance with someone.”


    That was his answer to Nancy’s previous question about whether Jayson would mind if she danced with another


    man.


    Nancy nced at the center of the deck out of the corners of her eyes. She slowly took a sip of her drink. “It’s alright. I prefer staying here and keeping youpany.”


    Nancy decided to let those rarely able to step into the spotlight enjoy it for the time being. She had lost interest


    anyway.


    Zach took a nce at Jayson and Nancy. As someone observing from the side, he found that the couple shared a strong bond.


    One of them couldn’t dance but wanted his partner to just rx and have some fun. The other person preferred to stay with her boyfriend even though numerous people had tried to ask her for a dance.


    As for Ariel…


    Zach had a deep frown on his forehead when he looked in her direction.


    Ariel was fully capable of being warm and friendly to aplete stranger. Yet, she couldn’t seem to get along with Zach no matter what. Zach reckoned they must have really poorpatibility.


    “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that person before. Which family does he belong to?” Nancy asked curiously.


    Zach paused briefly as he was raising his ss to take a sip. He nced at Samson but stayed silent since the man had mostly kept his identity and background a secret.


    “Are the two of you not going in for a dance?” Lucas came over and grinned at Jayson. “Are you not intrigued by the atmosphere on the dance floor, Mr. Larkin?”


    Jayson curled his lips. “I’m in no shape to dance today. So, I’ll pass.”


    Lucas finally noticed how Jayson’s right hand seemed a bit strange. “What happened to your hand, Mr. Larkin?”