Boss, Your Ex-Wife is Unreachable Now! novel Chapter 177

Lounge Area

Lionel spotted Evelyn and Cordelia making their way toward the lounge, and couldn't help but feel a surge of delight. He barely glanced at the half-written message on his phone before abandoning it, rising quickly from his seat and motioning them over with a warm smile.

Evelyn caught his gesture, and without hesitation, tugged Cordelia along toward him.

Most people had already drifted off to the dance floor, while a few lingered near the buffet, picking over hors d'oeuvres, or clustered in small groups, champagne glasses in hand, chatting and laughing quietly.

Lionel had chosen his spot well: from here, they had a perfect view of the dance floor's center. It was the ideal place to relax, talk, and nibble on snacks while keeping an eye on the festivities.

"Mr. Scott, did you come here solo tonight?" Evelyn asked as she and Cordelia sat down, taking the initiative to break the ice.

She'd taken quite a liking to Lionel and was keen to befriend him.

Lionel chuckled. "My date decided romance was more important than friendship and bailed on me at the last minute."

Evelyn couldn't tell if he was joking, but his answer was clearly meant to signal—especially to Cordelia—that he was, in fact, "available."

She pressed further, "There's a charity auction later. Is there anything you've got your eye on, Mr. Scott?"

She was testing to see how long Lionel planned to stay.

Lionel glanced at Cordelia, who had remained silent, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. "Yes, there is."

The look he gave her made it obvious—what he was most interested in was sitting right across from him.

Evelyn understood immediately, her lips curving in a knowing smile.

Cordelia, on the other hand, still felt awkward around Lionel without his mask on. She kept quiet, listening to the conversation, her gaze lingering on the handsome figure in the center of the dance floor.

He added with a smile, "If I'm not mistaken, the partner swap is coming up soon."

Cordelia finally turned to look at him directly, her resolve wavering. The invitation was tempting.

Lionel offered his hand, palm open in a gentle invitation.

Evelyn nudged her, encouraging, "Go on, Cordelia. We're here—let's have some fun on the dance floor."

Major's eyes lit up as he chimed in, "Absolutely. Let's all go join the crowd."

Seeing everyone's enthusiasm, Cordelia relented. She placed her hand in Lionel's, her fingers slipping into his warm palm.

His touch was just as she remembered—steady, comforting. The awkwardness she'd felt before melted away, replaced by a quiet sense of familiarity and ease.