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Chapter 93

Author: Scarlett Chase
The waltz gradually shifted from its gentle rhythm to an upbeat tempo, unveiling its inherent charm and complexity.

Micah's gaze didn't linger on Natalie. He maintained perfect synchronization with her steps, seamlessly adapting to the beat, while his eyes discreetly swept toward Deidre again.

Around them, most dancers had begun showcasing their partners, spinning them gracefully across the floor.

Matching the tempo, Micah maneuvered with subtle precision, guiding Natalie closer to Deidre and Cameron without breaking stride.

Deidre, no fool, couldn't possibly miss Micah's frequent glances in her direction. She smirked inwardly, instantly grasping his intent. He was moving their way.

The music surged, and following Cameron's lead, Deidre executed an elegant pirouette. Her red evening gown, delicate as butterfly wings, flared into cascading waves of crimson, drawing all eyes to her. Her movement was mesmerizing, a perfect harmony of grace and poise.

Cameron's face held its usual g
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  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 94

    Deidre smiled wryly to herself. The music lifted in tempo once again, forcing her, though unwilling, to raise her hand and follow the rhythm in a solitary spin.As she twirled, her eyes quickly flicked toward Cameron.Cameron was waiting for the beat, planning to reclaim his partner.Micah maintained his gentle, composed smile, but there was a chill in his eyes. He hadn't missed the subtle exchange of glances between Deidre and Cameron. No, he had been watching closely, noting exactly where Deidre's gaze had lingered.She was flirting with him again, right in front of him.So she wanted to switch back?A sliver of coldness flashed in Micah's eyes.He knew very well—he didn't want her to switch back.As Cameron neared them, preparing to take Deidre away, Micah intentionally took a misstep, stepping into Cameron's path.Both Deidre and Cameron understood immediately what this meant.Deidre's smile remained, her tone gentle, but her eyes burned with a cold gleam.She couldn't w

  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 95

    The tempo slowed and finally returned to silence as the dance came to an end. The men and women in the ballroom nodded to each other in mutual respect.Benedict, with a cold and composed expression on his handsome face, stepped out of the dance floor without a word.Deidre raised an eyebrow and was about to follow him when she heard Micah's voice from behind. "Do you hate me?"She turned back to see Micah looking at her with a deep gaze. The question struck her as absurd. "Mr. Landon, you have quite the short memory. Who was it that looked at me with disdain at the wedding, dropped me without a word, and walked away without a second glance? And now you're asking me this?"Some things, Deidre thought, if left untouched, would fade away with time. She was certain that given enough time, everything, even the most painful memories, would eventually be forgotten. Yet, there were always people who took great pleasure in reminding her of the moments she wished to forget.Especially when

  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 96

    Benedict swirled the wine glass in his hand, his gaze not meeting Bobby's. His voice was cool. "I can tell, Bobby, there's more to your words than what you're letting on.""Benedict, as expected of you," Bobby's smile deepened. "You must know, when the Dobinsky project first went to bid, Veilner Corp didn't make the cut. The Landon Group took the lead. Now, as we approach the second round of bidding, although your company's proposal is the best, it's a bit tricky for us."In business, there are ways to say things. Sometimes, the true meaning lies not in the direct words, but in the subtle layers beneath them. Bobby's words were clear enough. He was asking if Veilner could increase its offer, especially in terms of the price.Deidre's eyes glinted as she glanced at Benedict.His fingers tapped softly on the armrest of the sofa, his expression unchanged, but the faintest sound of his knuckles brushing against the wood seemed to fill the air. His voice remained calm and measured. "T

  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 97

    "I can tell, Bobby, that your company is sincere in wanting to collaborate with us on this project. Otherwise, we wouldn't be having this conversation."Benedict's deep voice broke the silence, pulling the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Bobby, you know, of course, that the Dobinsky project is intended for our technology city. Now, as for the five percent price increase you proposed, I will say this clearly: Such a concession agreement is not something we can sign."Upon hearing this, Bobby's heart sank, though he maintained his composure on the surface. "Benedict, wouldn't you reconsider? After all, the returns from the technology city once it's completed will be substantial."In business negotiations, attention to detail is key, especially when it comes to reading the room. Both Benedict and Deidre had picked up on the subtle shift in Bobby's demeanor. The calm confidence he had initially shown was now replaced by a quiet sense of urgency.Once the defensive line begi

  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 98

    Deidre paused for a moment, quickly tapped the send button on her phone, then shut off the screen and set it aside. She smiled at Daisy, signaling for her to sit beside her. "I know, I owe you one for helping me out with Mr. O'Reily on the dance floor."Daisy, still looking a bit shaken, leaned in close to Deidre's ear and whispered, "God knows, just dancing with Mr. O'Reily was enough to make my scalp tingle in shock. And then he had that cold, deathly stare... I mean, he's handsome, but I guess they don't call him 'The Godfather' for nothing. After just a short dance, I was practically shoved away."Deidre, ever considerate, gently patted Daisy's back to reassure her. "Once this seven-day yacht trip is over, I'll treat you to a big meal.""Not that I'm just looking to freeload off your dinner, Deidre!" Daisy laughed. "I mean, getting to dance with a handsome guy—can't complain."Daisy, a post-2000s girl, had the natural optimism and straightforwardness typical of her generation.

  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 99

    "I'm not drunk," Micah said.Deidre didn't reply. His face was serious, but his eyes—behind those frameless glasses—held a slight haze, as if they were blurring into a soft kind of fog.After spending two years with him, Deidre knew very well that Micah was, in fact, drunk. A sober person couldn't possibly argue with someone who was so clearly intoxicated, especially not over something so trivial as whether or not they were drunk.She glanced at the door to her room, which Micah was blocking, then turned away.On a luxurious yacht like this, it was ridiculous for all the rooms to be occupied. She could easily switch rooms. Even if they were all taken, she could squeeze in with Daisy for one night.In any case, Deidre had no intention of wasting another word on Micah."Don't go!"Micah, seeing her intention, stepped forward. His arm reached out and grabbed her wrist."Are you going to find Cameron?"With a forceful pull, he turned her back toward him, his hands gripping her s

  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 100

    "YOU!"Daisy watched the atmosphere between the two shift. As she saw Micah stand up, she put on a look of feigned concern and hurried over. After all, the president of the Landon Group had just been knocked down by the assistant of a competitor—certainly not a dignified event."Deidre, I finally found you! Mr. O'Reily called me earlier, said he had something urgent to discuss with you, but couldn't reach you."Daisy had only made up an excuse. When it came to Micah, using Benedict's name was the most legitimate tactic.Unexpectedly, as she spoke, Deidre's phone rang.Daisy's eyelids twitched and she instinctively looked over.And there it was...Caller ID: It really was Mr. O'Reily.Daisy turned speechless. She could probably win the lottery today, with this luck!With Daisy present, Micah knew he couldn't continue the conversation with Deidre.In fact, even without Daisy, the discussion wouldn't have gone anywhere.Micah's handsome face regained its calm demeanor. The prev

  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 1

    The brilliant lights in the hall dimmed, leaving a concentrated glow upon the stage. The bride and groom stood bathed in radiance—she in her flowing white gown, he in his impeccably tailored suit. They were the perfect picture of beauty and elegance.The background music shifted, rising into a crescendo, infusing the air with a palpable sense of excitement. The wedding ceremony had reached its peak.Deidre clasped her left hand over her right, her palms damp with sweat beneath the delicate white gloves. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, each beat echoing like a drum in her ears. She was so nervous it felt as though her heart might leap into her throat.Her gaze settled on the man before her, a mix of elation and unease swirling within her. Micah Landon—one of Salve City's most eligible bachelors, heir to one of its most powerful families—was about to marry her. It felt surreal, like a fairy tale come to life. A Cinderella marrying her prince, with all the incredulity that e

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  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 100

    "YOU!"Daisy watched the atmosphere between the two shift. As she saw Micah stand up, she put on a look of feigned concern and hurried over. After all, the president of the Landon Group had just been knocked down by the assistant of a competitor—certainly not a dignified event."Deidre, I finally found you! Mr. O'Reily called me earlier, said he had something urgent to discuss with you, but couldn't reach you."Daisy had only made up an excuse. When it came to Micah, using Benedict's name was the most legitimate tactic.Unexpectedly, as she spoke, Deidre's phone rang.Daisy's eyelids twitched and she instinctively looked over.And there it was...Caller ID: It really was Mr. O'Reily.Daisy turned speechless. She could probably win the lottery today, with this luck!With Daisy present, Micah knew he couldn't continue the conversation with Deidre.In fact, even without Daisy, the discussion wouldn't have gone anywhere.Micah's handsome face regained its calm demeanor. The prev

  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 99

    "I'm not drunk," Micah said.Deidre didn't reply. His face was serious, but his eyes—behind those frameless glasses—held a slight haze, as if they were blurring into a soft kind of fog.After spending two years with him, Deidre knew very well that Micah was, in fact, drunk. A sober person couldn't possibly argue with someone who was so clearly intoxicated, especially not over something so trivial as whether or not they were drunk.She glanced at the door to her room, which Micah was blocking, then turned away.On a luxurious yacht like this, it was ridiculous for all the rooms to be occupied. She could easily switch rooms. Even if they were all taken, she could squeeze in with Daisy for one night.In any case, Deidre had no intention of wasting another word on Micah."Don't go!"Micah, seeing her intention, stepped forward. His arm reached out and grabbed her wrist."Are you going to find Cameron?"With a forceful pull, he turned her back toward him, his hands gripping her s

  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 98

    Deidre paused for a moment, quickly tapped the send button on her phone, then shut off the screen and set it aside. She smiled at Daisy, signaling for her to sit beside her. "I know, I owe you one for helping me out with Mr. O'Reily on the dance floor."Daisy, still looking a bit shaken, leaned in close to Deidre's ear and whispered, "God knows, just dancing with Mr. O'Reily was enough to make my scalp tingle in shock. And then he had that cold, deathly stare... I mean, he's handsome, but I guess they don't call him 'The Godfather' for nothing. After just a short dance, I was practically shoved away."Deidre, ever considerate, gently patted Daisy's back to reassure her. "Once this seven-day yacht trip is over, I'll treat you to a big meal.""Not that I'm just looking to freeload off your dinner, Deidre!" Daisy laughed. "I mean, getting to dance with a handsome guy—can't complain."Daisy, a post-2000s girl, had the natural optimism and straightforwardness typical of her generation.

  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 97

    "I can tell, Bobby, that your company is sincere in wanting to collaborate with us on this project. Otherwise, we wouldn't be having this conversation."Benedict's deep voice broke the silence, pulling the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Bobby, you know, of course, that the Dobinsky project is intended for our technology city. Now, as for the five percent price increase you proposed, I will say this clearly: Such a concession agreement is not something we can sign."Upon hearing this, Bobby's heart sank, though he maintained his composure on the surface. "Benedict, wouldn't you reconsider? After all, the returns from the technology city once it's completed will be substantial."In business negotiations, attention to detail is key, especially when it comes to reading the room. Both Benedict and Deidre had picked up on the subtle shift in Bobby's demeanor. The calm confidence he had initially shown was now replaced by a quiet sense of urgency.Once the defensive line begi

  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 96

    Benedict swirled the wine glass in his hand, his gaze not meeting Bobby's. His voice was cool. "I can tell, Bobby, there's more to your words than what you're letting on.""Benedict, as expected of you," Bobby's smile deepened. "You must know, when the Dobinsky project first went to bid, Veilner Corp didn't make the cut. The Landon Group took the lead. Now, as we approach the second round of bidding, although your company's proposal is the best, it's a bit tricky for us."In business, there are ways to say things. Sometimes, the true meaning lies not in the direct words, but in the subtle layers beneath them. Bobby's words were clear enough. He was asking if Veilner could increase its offer, especially in terms of the price.Deidre's eyes glinted as she glanced at Benedict.His fingers tapped softly on the armrest of the sofa, his expression unchanged, but the faintest sound of his knuckles brushing against the wood seemed to fill the air. His voice remained calm and measured. "T

  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 95

    The tempo slowed and finally returned to silence as the dance came to an end. The men and women in the ballroom nodded to each other in mutual respect.Benedict, with a cold and composed expression on his handsome face, stepped out of the dance floor without a word.Deidre raised an eyebrow and was about to follow him when she heard Micah's voice from behind. "Do you hate me?"She turned back to see Micah looking at her with a deep gaze. The question struck her as absurd. "Mr. Landon, you have quite the short memory. Who was it that looked at me with disdain at the wedding, dropped me without a word, and walked away without a second glance? And now you're asking me this?"Some things, Deidre thought, if left untouched, would fade away with time. She was certain that given enough time, everything, even the most painful memories, would eventually be forgotten. Yet, there were always people who took great pleasure in reminding her of the moments she wished to forget.Especially when

  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 94

    Deidre smiled wryly to herself. The music lifted in tempo once again, forcing her, though unwilling, to raise her hand and follow the rhythm in a solitary spin.As she twirled, her eyes quickly flicked toward Cameron.Cameron was waiting for the beat, planning to reclaim his partner.Micah maintained his gentle, composed smile, but there was a chill in his eyes. He hadn't missed the subtle exchange of glances between Deidre and Cameron. No, he had been watching closely, noting exactly where Deidre's gaze had lingered.She was flirting with him again, right in front of him.So she wanted to switch back?A sliver of coldness flashed in Micah's eyes.He knew very well—he didn't want her to switch back.As Cameron neared them, preparing to take Deidre away, Micah intentionally took a misstep, stepping into Cameron's path.Both Deidre and Cameron understood immediately what this meant.Deidre's smile remained, her tone gentle, but her eyes burned with a cold gleam.She couldn't w

  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 93

    The waltz gradually shifted from its gentle rhythm to an upbeat tempo, unveiling its inherent charm and complexity.Micah's gaze didn't linger on Natalie. He maintained perfect synchronization with her steps, seamlessly adapting to the beat, while his eyes discreetly swept toward Deidre again. Around them, most dancers had begun showcasing their partners, spinning them gracefully across the floor.Matching the tempo, Micah maneuvered with subtle precision, guiding Natalie closer to Deidre and Cameron without breaking stride.Deidre, no fool, couldn't possibly miss Micah's frequent glances in her direction. She smirked inwardly, instantly grasping his intent. He was moving their way.The music surged, and following Cameron's lead, Deidre executed an elegant pirouette. Her red evening gown, delicate as butterfly wings, flared into cascading waves of crimson, drawing all eyes to her. Her movement was mesmerizing, a perfect harmony of grace and poise.Cameron's face held its usual g

  • Not Your Second Choice   Chapter 92

    "Ah…" Natalie gasped softly as her hand was enveloped by Micah's warm, steady grasp. Her cheeks flushed, her heartbeat quickening like a drumroll, as she followed him into the dance floor.Within the crowd, Deidre stood out effortlessly in a custom-made crimson gown. Her movements flowed seamlessly with the rhythm, rising and falling with the melody, her figure spinning gracefully like a fiery phoenix in flight. Opposite her, Cameron, equally striking with his sharp features and composed demeanor, lifted his long, elegant hand to guide Deidre through a perfect turn. A gentle, unguarded smile lingered in his eyes."I remember back in school dances, you always attended with Sandy," Cameron remarked, his deep voice carrying an air of teasing admiration. "But I don't recall ever seeing you dance. Seems like you've been keeping this talent hidden all along."A faint smile curved Deidre's lips. "If you keep looking at me with such a gentle expression, I'm afraid I might misstep." She fi

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