Chapter 474

Feeling the envious stares of everyone around me, I couldn't help but smile faintly, a touch of grace in my expression. Finally, at this stage of high society, I was no longer the nameless girl who could only look up to others. I had my own identity now, and I was a force to be reckoned with. As my eyes drifted past Rowan's shoulder, I caught sight of him—Ethan, leaning against the bar, downing one whiskey after another. He stared at me intently from across the room, his expression unreadable. Several beautiful women approached him, but he ignored them, only focusing on his drink. His lonely, desolate figure stung my eyes. As the song ended, Rowan, ever the gentleman, bowed slightly and kissed the back of my hand. The applause was thunderous, and the room was filled with whistles. I smiled politely in return, ready to leave with Rowan, but then Ethan, clearly drunk, suddenly strode over to us. "Ms. Wiley, would you do me the honor of sharing a dance?" He dropped to one knee and