Boss, Your Ex-Wife is Unreachable Now! novel Chapter 175

"Miss Cordelia, have you given any more thought to my invitation?"

As the polite greetings faded, Lionel pressed on, once again inviting Cordelia to be his partner for the evening's dance. He was unfailingly patient, a warm, easy smile never leaving his face.

But Cordelia hadn't even considered dancing with anyone but York tonight. After all, Lionel had once "deceived" her—she certainly wasn't about to accept his offer now.

So she declined, her tone polite but firm. "I'm sorry, but I already have a partner for tonight."

Even though she'd only be able to share a single dance with York, that was enough for her.

Lionel was turned down right to his face, but the smile didn't falter; he had half-expected this answer anyway. Truth be told, he'd originally hoped Juliette would be his partner for the evening, but she'd ditched him for Willow at the first opportunity.

Not that he was giving up so easily.

"Has your partner arrived yet?" Lionel asked, still smiling. "I'd like to make my case to him, see if I can persuade him to lend you to me for one dance."

Cordelia hesitated, looking uncomfortable.

The truth was, she'd been searching for York ever since she arrived, but after circling the ballroom, she still hadn't caught sight of him.

She'd texted him too, but he hadn't replied.

Evelyn and Major, standing nearby, were surprised—neither had expected Cordelia to fib her way out of Lionel's offer so decisively.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Scott, but you'll have to find someone else," Cordelia said again, her resolve unwavering.

Lionel nodded, his striking eyes tinged with regret. "Very well. But if you change your mind, you know where to find me."

He pointed toward the lounge area by the buffet table. "I'll be right over there, waiting."

Cordelia didn't nod or answer, her lips pressed into a stubborn line.

"Isn't that York Sinclair, the younger Sinclair brother?"

Someone recognized him right away.

Another guest quickly identified the woman on York's arm. "Wait, isn't that Melinda Fitzgerald? The new star who's been making waves on that reality show?"

"Oh, I know her! Melinda—they say she's a once-in-a-generation classic beauty. Seeing her in person, she really does have that special charm."

"I heard she recently signed with York's Starlight Media. No wonder she's here with him."

"So York's planning to make her his next big star, huh?"

"Or maybe he's just keeping talent in the family, if you know what I mean…"

A ripple of laughter followed the last remark, and the speculation continued to swirl.