Chapter 53
"A Masquerade Ball?"
"Exactly. The hotel hosts one every six months, each with a different theme."
"Last time was a costume party. The time before that was a Halloween horror party."
"This time it's a masquerade theme. Everyone loves it."
Christmas was approaching.
The hotel was decorated with festive lights and Christmas trees, brimming with holiday cheer.
Olivia Lopez excitedly shook the mask in her hand.
"I saw the staff wearing masks when I came in. Tonight is going to be so much fun!"
She had chosen a Fox Mask for Sophia Sullivan.
For herself, she picked the Lion Mask—the king of the jungle, utterly majestic!
Sophia chuckled softly.
"Why didn't you pick the tiger?"
"Why a tiger?"
"Isn't a tigress even more formidable?"
Olivia glared.
"...Are you asking for a fight?!"
Sophia grabbed her mask and ran, putting it on as she went.
"Hurry up, we're going to be late!"
"Stop right there! Who are you calling a tigress?! You are!"
...
The 23rd-floor ballroom.
The elevator doors opened.
Sophia instantly felt numerous gazes turn her way.
She never liked crowded places.
But wearing a mask made her feel considerably more at ease.
Olivia pulled her through the crowd to the bar.
"One Martini. What'll you have, Mimi?"
Sophia said, "Lemon water."
Olivia was speechless.
"Could you try to have a little more fun?"
"I want lem—"
Olivia cut her off directly.
"Get her a Bloody Mary!"
The bartender smiled and nodded.
"Certainly."
Sophia: "..." She couldn't smile.
Unbeknownst to her, a gaze from the shadows was intently following her figure...
Ethan Roscente leaned against the wall near the ballroom entrance, checking his watch intermittently.
He wore a Luciano Pavarotti Mask.
Its cracked black and gold design, adorned with musical notes, accentuated his cold, noble demeanor.
The collar of his white shirt was slightly open.
The hint of his collarbone added an air of restrained allure, drawing frequent sidelong glances from passersby.
After waiting five minutes, Ethan was already impatient.
Just as he was about to leave, Isabella Langley tapped his shoulder from behind.
"Baby, I'm here!"
The girl wore a Rabbit Mask.
Its fluffy ears paired with rabbit-eye makeup gave her a pure, adorable look.
"I got lost. I'm only two minutes late, don't be mad."
She took his hand and gave it a gentle shake.
"I heard there's a raffle tonight. With my luck, I'm sure to win the big prize."
Most of Ethan's displeasure vanished the moment he saw her.
"Let's go. Didn't you want to try the raffle?"
...
Elsewhere, Olivia had just set down her glass when a guy who perfectly matched her taste walked by.
Before she could even speak, Sophia said proactively, "Go on. Be careful."
Olivia blew her a kiss.
"Okay, I'm off then."
Sophia shook her head helplessly and looked around.
Most guests were dressed up, fully embracing the ball's atmosphere.
Exotic music began to play.
People paired off and stepped onto the dance floor.
Sophia took some snacks and found a quiet corner to sit.
She ate while reading a paper on her iPad.
Suddenly, a hand with distinct knuckles appeared before her.
A deep male voice followed.
"May I have this dance, beautiful lady?"
The man wore a black suit with striking sapphire blue cufflinks.
A vintage Patek Philippe graced his wrist, complementing his Phantom of the Opera Mask perfectly.
Sophia met his smiling eyes and instantly recognized him.
Sebastian! Evans!
"Sorry, I don't dance."
Sebastian stated confidently, "I've seen you practice in the school auditorium."
Sophia froze.
He was referring to the solo for the senior year graduation gala.
She had practiced for two months but couldn't perform due to a calf injury.
Even she had almost forgotten.
Yet he remembered.
Just then, the host's voice rang out.
A spotlight swept across the crowd.
Screams erupted throughout the venue.
The beam suddenly stopped, fixed on the two of them.
It enveloped them in a halo of light.
Sebastian's lips curved into a slight smile.
"Ball rules. The man and woman chosen by the spotlight must share a dance."
"Even heaven can't bear to see me rejected. Would you disappoint everyone?"
He bowed gracefully, extending his hand in invitation.
Cheers rose around them.
"Say yes—say yes—"
"Dance—dance—"
Gritting her teeth, Sophia could only place her hand in his palm.
Sebastian immediately guided her onto the dance floor.
Advancing, retreating, spinning, embracing, parting.
The tall Phantom had finally caught the elusive little fox.
His suit trousers and her skirt swirled together.
When their eyes met, Sebastian's were full of amusement.
Not only could Sophia dance, but she danced very well.
She had her mother to thank for that.
Her mother had her learn dance, painting, music, and etiquette from a young age.
She raised Sophia to be cultured, reasonable, and multi-talented.
Unexpectedly, Sophia showed greater aptitude for academics.
She competed in every subject, from preliminary rounds to provincial, then national competitions.
Finally, she stood on the podium at the International Science Olympiad.
That year, Sophia astonished the entire school, even the whole country.
Countless prestigious universities offered her places.
Yet she insisted on taking the college entrance exams.
She eventually entered MIT as the top science student.
"What are you thinking about?" Sebastian's voice sounded by her ear.
Sophia returned to the present.
"Just some memories from the past."
"College days?" His eyes darkened slightly. That period contained someone he'd rather not mention.
"No." Sophia shook her head.
The man chuckled low, his chest vibrating.
He led her into a spin, making her skirt flare.
Gasps of admiration sounded around them.
Though he led the dance, his movements remained restrained and gentlemanly.
He carefully protected her.
The hand at her waist was polite and proper, never overstepping.
"You look beautiful today. The fox mask suits you," he said, his voice laced with a smile.
Sophia raised an eyebrow.
"What a coincidence. You're here on vacation too?"