Now, with Aldrich's impending engagement to another, she was left with no choice but to establish a new safeguard for herself.

Yet the elite carried an air of disdain.

She was determined to prove she hadn't lost her standing.

At that moment, the banquet's music ceased, and a voice echoed through a microphone.

"Esteemed guests, today we celebrate the Moreno couple's daughter reclaiming her place. Surely, it's only fitting for the gifted among us to exhibit their talents in honor of her return, wouldn't you agree?"

The voice, achingly familiar, prompted Selina to halt and turn toward the stage, where Larry stood, poised for mischief.

The crowd, initially puzzled, soon showed their youthful zest with an affirmative cheers.

Larry proclaimed, "I daresay the most gifted here is Selina, once a butler's child under the Moreno's roof. What say we have her grace us with a dance?"

A hush fell for a heartbeat, then applause rippled through the crowd, eager for spectacle.

They all knew of Selina's dance prowess, her former glory.

With her father's crime history, they relished the prospect of her descent.

At Larry's behest, they eagerly agreed.

Selina's expression darkened; she hadn't anticipated Larry's swift, spiteful retaliation.

Her dance was revered on global stages. Her stature in the dance community had precluded such casual performances.

And now, she was to be a mere performer at a gathering? Reduced to an entertainer?

“Miss Forbes, do you decline?"

Larry's voice sliced through the murmurs, his eyes glinting with scorn.

The young ladies nearby fixed their gazes upon Selina.

“She must begrudge the Moreno heiress's return."

“How audacious of her to appear today!"