All Chapters of A Dance of Substitutes with Mr. Vanderbilt: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

The area near the fireworks display bustled with activity and was packed with people.Leon parked the car. They had less than ten minutes until the show began."Justine, we have to run!" Without waiting for a reply, Leon jumped out of the car and grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the elevator.At the elevator entrance, a man in a tailcoat spotted them and respectfully pressed the button.The elevator was already on the garage level, waiting.Leon nodded in acknowledgment before pulling Justine inside.As the elevator ascended, Justine recalled that the top floor of this building housed a very exclusive private restaurant known for serving only VIP guests by invitation. Only those with both wealth and status could dine there.'Leon… What kind of background does he have?' Justine wondered.Noticing her curious expression, Leon tilted his chin slightly in a playful and proud gesture. "Didn't I tell you? I'm quite capable!"His mock arrogance made Justine chuckle despite hersel

Ash's lips curled into a subtle smile, his expression calm as he raised his glass toward Leon in acknowledgment.Meanwhile, Jenny offered a gentle nod, her demeanor soft and demure. However, when she turned back to glance at Ash, her face was tinged with complexity, laced with a trace of concern.Ash's tone was warm as he shifted his gaze back to Jenny, speaking with gentle ease. "Didn't you say you wanted to go to Ylishire? The acquisition is nearing its end. You should take a look at the hotels and see which one you like."Immediately, Jenny's face lit up. She straightened her back, brimming with pride and satisfaction. She wanted to ensure that Justine would sense her triumph even from a distance."As long as I'm with you, Ashie, I'll love wherever we stay." Jenny's voice was sweet and syrupy, dripping with affection.Ash replied calmly, "Alright, I'll have the secretary handle it.""You're the best, Ashie!" Jenny exclaimed, her happiness radiating."I don't know why, but Sol

Tears slipped down her cheeks, seeping between Ash's fingers as his reason gradually returned. His heart felt crushed once again as he finally broke off his rough kiss.He stared into Justine's eyes in the darkness."Why are you trembling? Why are you crying?" Ash asked. "If it were Leon, would you be smiling and playing along right now?"Watching the two of them that night had felt like an eternity for Ash, each second torturous."Do you really think Leon will offer you a better future?" His thumb brushed over her swollen lips. "Justine, Leon's family is incredibly complicated. His marriage will be one of convenience, between wealthy families. He's not going to marry you... Don't let yourself fall too deep."In response, Justine delivered a sharp headbutt to his chest.Ash's face darkened as he raised a hand to block her, more worried about her hurting herself than feeling any pain.Just then, Justine's phone rang—it was Leon.Ash wouldn't let her answer, leaving them in tense

"It's impossible!" Ash blurted. "Her recovery was excellent!"But as soon as the words left his mouth, memories surged back.Ash recalled the day Justine had returned to sign the divorce papers. He hadn't tried hard to stop her from leaving, yet in that moment, she had doubled over in pain, clutching her waist."My cousin wanted to invite Justine as a guest performer at his concert." Gaius' voice betrayed his frustration on the other end of the line.He couldn't believe Ash hadn't noticed anything."But her troupe said she can't dance anymore due to her injury. I looked into her medical records and spoke to her doctor. She told them she'd discuss her treatment plan with you—how could you not know? How do you not know?" Gaius questioned."She never mentioned a word of this to me!" Ash's voice dropped, his temples throbbing with sharp pain.There was a pause on Gaius's end. "Ash, what were you busy with three months ago?"Silence engulfed Ash. He sat frozen on the couch, feeling

Aside from hunting down Dennis, Justine needed to make a trip back to Glascape to sort through the belongings Aurora had left behind.After taking a final, lingering look at her parents' grave, she turned and left.The snow was falling heavier now.Justine sent Leon a quick message, informing him that she would be gone for two days on personal business.Then, she opened Benji's chat—the one she hadn't responded to yesterday.If Benji knew anything and, like Frederick, wanted to protect Charlie, he might have already tipped him off.Justine: [No special reason, just something came to mind these past few days. I realized I never really understood how my parents died. It's been weighing on me, so I visited their grave just now, and I feel a little better.]Benji's reply was instant.Benji: [Miss, the deceased are at peace. Your parents loved you dearly, and they wouldn't want you to be troubled by the past.]Justine: [I think so too.]Benji switched topics.Benji: [I've been wo