?Chapter 880:


    He paused to admire her briefly, then set aside his utensils and dabbed at his lips with a napkin elegantly.


    As soon as he finished his meal, Elena asked, “Dinner’s over. Can you let the boy down now?”


    Earle’sughter erupted at her question. “Really? You think it’s that simple?” He was far from done having his fun. There was no reason for him to release the child just yet.


    Elena’s expression turned even icier, her lips pressed firmly together. “You only took them to bait me here. Now that I’ve arrived, they serve no purpose to you.”


    A smirk yed on Earle’s lips. “That’s not entirely true.” The hostages were valuable leverage. Without them, would Elena have been so cooperative?


    He stepped toward her, offering his hand in a seemingly gentlemanly gesture. “Shall we dance?”


    His polite demeanor belied the predatory dominance that lurked in his gaze.


    Elena scanned the room, stalling for time.


    Suddenly, a subordinate interrupted Earle with a message, momentarily drawing his irritation.


    Elena caught snippets of conversation about the hostages and a reservoir, quickly texting the details to Lydia. She slipped her phone away just as Earle concluded his discussion.


    After his subordinate left, Earle repeated his request for a dance. Perplexed by his persistence, Elena wondered about his fixation on dancing with her.


    Elena had barely any recollection of their previous meeting, yet it remained vivid in Earle’s mind. He had longed to ask her for a dance that evening, a chance that had eluded him, leaving a lingering regret. In an effort to dy Earle and provide the rescue team with the needed time, Elena consented to dance with him.


    A subtle smile appeared on Earle’s face as he extended his hand, selecting a tender tune for the asion.


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    Within the opulent hall, Elena stepped onto the soft carpet, her waist gently held, leading her into an elegant twirl.


    Her eyshes quivered under the ambient lighting, highlighting her sculpted nose and impable skin.


    Feeling an impulse, Earle tightened his hold and pulled her closer, his eyes narrowing as he detected her fragrance, reminiscent of sweet jasmine. He inclined his head, savoring the aroma.


    Elena recoiled slightly from his proximity, her frown deepening.


    Yet, as she retreated, Earle followed, reducing the distance once again. As his lips neared her skin, Elena reached her limit. She sharply said, “You always cover yourself with that mask. What’s the fear? Someone out to get you?”


    This tactic worked to divert his focus.


    Earle straightened, his toneced with contempt. “Fear? No one in this world can intimidate me.”


    Despite having adversaries far and wide, none had managed to defeat him.


    Elena retorted, “So why the constant mask, even inside your own home?”


    Earle’s gaze locked on her, pausing before chuckling softly. “It seems you’re quite intrigued by my mask.”


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