“Are you trying to bolster my spirits?”

Maggie just chuckled, not bothering with a retort.

“Sanford, is the Lady accompanying you your girlfriend?"

After bantering with Sanford, Selina shifted her gaze to Maggie, her inquiry laced with a friendly smile.

Sanford stole a glance at Maggie, contemplating the best way to introduce her.

Just then, a voice rang out.

“Sanford, you've been rather odd lately.

Why the frequent change of girlfriends?"

The crowd was familiar with both Maggie and Millie.

News of a supposed impending marriage between Sanford and Millie had been swirling just a few days prior, though the pair had never made an official statement.

And now, Sanford appeared with Maggie, which led to their bewilderment.

"You've misunderstood. I'm here accompanying Rosalynn," Maggie clarified, blushing slightly.

Rosalynn affirmed, “Exactly. Maggie is my companion today."

Sanford opened his mouth to speak but thought better of it.

If he were to express his desire for her to be his girlfriend again, would she bolt without a second thought?

“Well, today's guest of honor is Selina. Let's focus on celebrating her.”

Brian skillfully redirected the conversation, defusing the awkward tension.

At Brian's word, all eyes turned to the woman of the evening-Selina. As the party kicked off, the air was thick with laughter, conversation, and the clinking of drink glasses.

Deanna had a motive for returning to Wragos, and an idea blossomed in her mind as she signaled a waiter carrying a tray of drinks. She requested him to play a waltz.

“Brian, remember how you'd practice dancing with Selina for her dance competition? How about a reprise of that beautiful spectacle for us here tonight? That would be lovely, right?"

The request was simple enough, but the subtext was layered with implications.

Nostalgia swept through the crowd, reminding them that once upon a time, Brian and Selina had been a couple.