Leopold guided Lana onto the dance floor, his mind set on a single goal was to convince Tanya that her manipulations over Aurelia were futile. If Tanya realized that Aurelia was no longer a pawn in her game, perhaps she would cease her sinister machinations against her.
The real threat, though, wasn't Tanya, who had brazenly exposed herself and was easily guarded against, but Geoffrey. That man was still a shadow lurking in the corners, unpredictable, and far more dangerous.
Wrapping his arm around Lana's slender waist, Leopold executed a smooth twirl and soon they were next to Aurelia and Arnold.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
Aurelia gave him a sidelong glance. Despite knowing it was all an act, the sight of him cozying up to another woman soured her mood. She couldn't help but wonder if Leopold, devoid of any real affection for her, might get caught up in the act with Lana.
Meanwhile, William returned to his seat beside Skyler, his eyes lighting up as he took a bite of the cruise ship's exquisite pastries.
"Skyler, these pastries are amazing." Skyler, busy with his chocolate sundae, nodded, "William, your dad's pictures are always so stunning." Will raised an eyebrow proudly, "Of course, my dad's the best photographer in the world. He's captured some truly rare and precious moments." Skyler couldn't help but ask, "Do you think Angel will marry your dad?" "Yeah," William nodded confidently.
Skyler sighed with a hint of concern in his voice, "I feel kinda bad for Leopold. He seems to really like Angel." William made a face, "My mom won't remarry him. She's gonna be his sister-in-law now." Skyler stuck out his tongue, "Adults are so complicated. It's easier being a kid, no worries." "Skyler, you must've had worries back in Eastwood Heights, right? With Geoffrey always picking on you, Tanya accusing you of being sick, and no one believing you. It must have been hard." Skyler nodded, "I buried myself in my studies, turning a deaf ear to the world and reading the wise books with all my heart." As they chatted, Sierra approached.
"Skyler, may | have this dance?" "I don't dance," Skyler shook his head, "Why don't you dance with William?" "I'm not in the mood for dancing anymore. Let's play a game instead," William suggested, passing a pastry to Sierra, "Sierra, let's enjoy the pastries and play together." Though Sierra felt a twinge of disappointment, she sat down, secretly pleased to still engage in some form of dancing.
"What shall we play?" "Do you know how to solo dance?" Sierra blinked, then nodded, "I used to be the lead dancer at school." "Great! Let's head up to the deck. You dance, and Skyler and | will take pictures. You'll be our model, and we'll see how well we've learned Dad's photography skills." Skyler clapped his hands excitedly, "I love this game." With a touch of nervous sweat on her brow, Sierra agreed, realizing this would indeed fulfill her wish to dance.
William and Skyler fetched the camera from Arnold's room and set it up on the deck.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
As the music swelled, Sierra danced gracefully, like a butterfly flitting through a garden, while William and Skyler captured her every elegant move.
Soon it was 9 o'clock, time for the fireworks.
They hurried back to their rooms to stow the camera and joined the adults on the deck to watch the fireworks light up.
Arnold hoisted William onto his shoulders just as the first firework rocketed into the sky, bursting into a kaleidoscope of color. More fireworks followed, painting the night with spectacular blooms of light.
Skyler's expression suddenly turned peculiar, his gaze fixed on the horizon as if the booming sounds of the fireworks were a signal meant only for him.