Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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As Aldus and I danced, I noticed ardent gazes of several ladies. They either had a crush on me or… "Did any of the women in attendance got your attention?"

Aldus's lips twitched into an almost smile.

"If you feel like going home, Mitch will take you. Don't feel forced to wait for me."

I tried to decipher the meaning behind his words. "Should I take that as a, yes? Is there a chance you will spend the night with someone and… get busy?"

"The whole hotel is booked for tonight. Me staying behind could be for business. Besides, your father is a discreet man who doesn't talk about ladies."

That was definitely a confirmation!

"Anyone special I should know about?", I continued probing.

"If there is, you would know about it."

Well, it's not on me to judge. The man can have a woman or two who are willing to warm his bed. As long as he is not tricking them, it's fair game.

I read that creatures of the night have unusually large sexual appetites and Aldus is undeniably an attractive man with a mature appeal and confidence oozing from him. It would be strange that no woman is interested in him. It's just that I never saw Aldus with a woman before, so it was a strange concept.

Also, wasn't this a company meeting where employees could bring dates and family members? So, these women are either employees or dates of employees… I told myself not to go there. Surely, Aldus knows what he is doing.

I felt like teasing him a bit.

"What if I decide to stay longer? Or leave with someone else? Could I get a room for tonight also?"

Aldus didn't think more than two seconds before responding, "If you want a room, you can get a key at the reception. Serina, you are old enough to make your own choices, but I hope you will keep me informed of your whereabouts. Remember who you are and don't get into trouble. If you end up in trouble, call me right away."

I was flabbergasted. In a good way.

My whole life my parents kept me on a tight leash and restricted my movements and friends, and here is Aldus, telling me that I can do whatever I want and that if I mess up, I should give him a call. Can he be any better?

"If you start crying, people will think I'm bullying you…", Aldus grumbled, and I stifled a giggle.

By now, other couples joined us on the dancefloor, and I felt that the spotlight moved from us.

The dance ended too soon and before I knew it, we were surrounded by people who were chatting enthusiastically. Ah, this will be a long night.

The seven-course dinner was delectable, and I enjoyed observing people. Aldus and I were at the table with three couples, and a mouthful of food gave me an excuse to limit my interactions to nods.

After dessert, various bite-sized food platters were offered, and people got up and started mingling.

While the older generation focused their conversation efforts on Aldus mostly, the people thirty years old and below were looking at me, and gradually Aldus and I drifted apart.

Guys were holding my hand for too long; some kissed my hand while introducing themselves. Ladies wore smiles that didn't reach their eyes and a number of them couldn't even force a smile. I guess I took their spotlight for tonight and they didn't like it.

It was obvious that many people present from the younger generation knew each other, and I was the new face.

For women, I was a mysterious unwanted competition while guys saw me like a shiny new toy they wanted to play with.

I didn't care about any of these people because I knew that I am above it all and the chance of meeting anyone genuine at this event was close to nil. After all, they wouldn't be here talking to me if I'm not Aldus's daughter. They see me as a business connection, an heiress, a conquest, not a person.

With every passing minute, my detachment grew as faces in front of me changed and I started wondering if it's too early for me to bail from here. I didn't want to appear rude, but I would rather sit in my room and meditate than be here.

"Excuse me…", a young man approached me from the side, ignoring two ladies who were talking to me.

I looked at his neatly trimmed brown hair and hazel eyes full of unspoken questions that locked on mine. He can't be older than thirty, and the smug smile lingering at the edge of his lips told me he didn't care about the sour expressions of women by my side. His focus was completely on me.

He bowed slightly and extended his hand toward me, palm up. "Do you mind holding this while I head to the dancefloor?"

I stifled a laugh when I realized that he was inviting me to dance. He was cheeky, but after an endless hour of exchanging empty pleasantries, I could use a break.

I put my hand into his and turned to the ladies. "If you excuse me, I will dance with…" I turned to the man who gave my hand a little squeeze.

"Sebastian…", he responded, and his smile widened. He was not surprised that I accepted.

"Sebastian…", I repeated and walked away, leaving the women behind me.

We stood on the dancefloor facing each other for a moment and I noticed that Sebastian is about a head taller than me even with my high heels on. His sharp suit emphasized his broad shoulders, and I could imagine boatloads of muscles under that perfectly white crisp shirt.

His palm landed at the middle of my back and he pulled me a bit closer to him, keeping us about ten centimeters apart.

As my hand rested on his shoulder, I gave it a gentle squeeze. Yup. Muscles. Lots of them.

"Sebastian Hoffman.", he introduced himself formally.

"Seraphina Mezzanotte.", I responded.

We were at a respectable distance as we started moving with the beat of jazz music, and the twinkle in his eye told me that he had no desire to be respectful toward me.

'Ignore it, Serina. It's just a dance…', I told myself.

"First time in London?", he asked.

"I've been here before.", I responded ambiguously.

Before he could ask more questions, I decided to take initiative.

"So, Sebastian… Do you always ask a girl to dance in order to introduce yourself?"

He cocked an eyebrow and looked at me with confidence that was forged with hundreds of successful contests.

"Not always. But you looked bored, and I wanted to rescue you."

A scene flashed into my mind: a sunny day, a meadow, lips curved into a bewitching smile and Duke's cheeky words, "I saw you doing not much, and I thought of rescuing you." And that was the day when Duke pulled me away from the school-organized raft-making and he taught me how to swim.

"I'm glad you approve."

Sebastian's words pulled me into reality. Oh, God! I was probably smiling like an idiot and Sebastian assumed I'm happy to be dancing with him! There is no way I can clear up that misunderstanding without making it sound like a sloppy excuse. It's better to ignore it.

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