CHAPTER 20 A DANCE WITH FATE AND FURY

Bianca’s heart thumped in her chest as she twirled and spun on the pole, her body moving in perfect rhythm with the music. But despite her flawless performance, her mind was elsewhere—the private conversation with Ethan earlier that day replaying in her head like an irritating, looping melody. She kept stealing glances at the crowd, searching for a glimpse of Ethan’s familiar face. He was late, unusually late. Was he with Madeline already? Had he decided to skip their evening rendezvous at the club? She knew he was going on a date with Madeline. He had mentioned it during his conversation with his lawyer, but the date was set for 9:00 PM. It was barely past 7:00 PM. Ethan was usually prompt, even eager, to see her. Her thoughts turned to Madeline. The beautiful, rich, and sophisticated woman who was everything Bianca wasn’t. The woman who could offer him everything she couldn’t. Was he falling for Madeline? Had he finally decided to choose her over Bianca, the exotic dancer with a