Evelyn Ross came to this banquet hoping to ease tensions between Alexander Vance and the Roland family.

After observing for a while, she realized things weren't that simple.

Alexander appeared cold and stern, but was actually quite thoughtful.

From his care at the hospital to selecting her gown tonight, every detail showed his gentleness.

If he truly wanted reconciliation with the Rolands, it would have happened naturally by now.

What he resisted was clearly the woman who was his biological mother.

She didn't know why he brought her to the banquet, but since she was here, she might as well help Jason Lawrence.

At least make things easier for him at the company.

Whether Alexander cared or not was another matter.

Jason Lawrence was stunned. "You know the Rolands?"

"Yes, we've met once."

Evelyn was about to head toward the Roland family when music suddenly filled the banquet hall.

The dancing portion of the evening began.

The crowd automatically parted, clearing the central dance floor.

She stopped, deciding to wait until the dancing was over.

Several people came to ask her for a dance.

"Miss, may I have this dance?"

...

Not far away, Alexander Vance sat in the lounge area, speaking with several executives.

Someone试探ally asked, "Mr. Vance, won't you dance?"

Alexander shook his head lightly. "It wouldn't be appropriate."

"Mr. Vance is truly a model of integrity!"

Everyone laughed and teased him.

Alexander's gaze swept toward Evelyn's direction, and his expression darkened instantly.

She was surrounded by several young men, all vying for her attention.

Even more were waiting their turn.

These were all promising young talents from the Vance Group.

Alexander stood up abruptly. "Excuse me."

He strode toward that corner.

As he approached, he heard her refuse again. "Sorry, I don't dance."

Someone persisted. "I can teach you."

"...Not interested."

"Is it dancing you're not interested in, or the people? You have to choose one, or more will keep asking."

...

Evelyn was annoyed by the pestering and said bluntly, "I have a dance partner."

"Who?"

"Me."

A deep voice came from behind them. Everyone turned and saw Alexander standing there.

The men immediately grew nervous. "Mr. Vance."

Alexander ignored them and walked straight to Evelyn. "Sorry I'm late."

The surrounding men quickly dispersed tactfully.

The corner was finally quiet.

Cheers suddenly erupted in the hall.

Evelyn turned and saw Julian Evans leading Isabella Ashcroft onto the dance floor.

Julian was young and vibrant. Isabella wore a pink dress, her face flushed with shyness.

They didn't start dancing immediately. Julian took a step back and picked up a microphone.

"Isabella, with everyone here today, there's something I want to say to you."

Isabella smiled sweetly at him.

Julian spoke slowly. "In college, I was distracted by outside influences and overlooked your goodness. But spending time with you recently, I've discovered how kind and considerate you are. You worked hard to smooth things between me and Mr. Roland, which made this collaboration possible."

The crowd immediately began murmuring.

"So it was Young Mr. Evans' fiancée who mediated!"

"This is how business should be done—with an open heart."

"I heard Miss Ashcroft's mother is from New York. Maybe they can connect with the Sherwoods in the future!"

...

The compliments reached Isabella's ears, filling her with surprise and joy.

Julian was giving her face. The Ashcroft family had shallow roots. Marrying into the Vance family was already a step up for her. Now she finally had some standing.

Of course, this wasn't about love. It was about the shared glory and shame of a wealthy couple.

Isabella smiled gently. "Julian, it was the least I could do."

Julian took out a velvet box and opened it. Inside was a three-carat diamond ring.

He went down on one knee and held up the ring. "Isabella, marry me."

Isabella covered her mouth, her eyes reddening.

"Marry him! Marry him!"

"What a perfect match!"

Amid the cheers, Isabella extended her hand, and the ring was slipped onto her finger.

They embraced and began the first dance.

More people soon joined them on the dance floor, but the spotlight had already been stolen by the engaged couple.

Evelyn looked at Alexander. "Perhaps we shouldn't dance."

She didn't want to be accused of competing with the younger generation for attention.

Jason Lawrence said unhappily, "Julian really knows how to pick his moment. Now who will remember it was you, cousin, who negotiated the deal with the Rolands? All the credit goes to them!"

Alexander didn't seem to care. His phone vibrated. He said to Evelyn, "I need to take this call."

"Okay."

After he walked away, Jason frowned. "He's different with you."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

Jason said, "He never tells anyone his whereabouts."

Evelyn was indifferent. Her phone vibrated lightly. It was a message from Chloe Roland: [My savior, I'm here too. I looked for you in the restroom but couldn't find you. Where are you? I'm coming to find you~]

Evelyn replied: [Northeast corner.]

Chloe Roland: [Be right there.]