Alpha's Abandoned Daughter is the Secret Heiress novel Chapter 50

Chapter 50: Who Says She Can’t Dance

Chapter 50: Who Says She Can’t Dance

(Celine’s POV)

+25 Points

The music filled the grand hall as Ronan and I glided across the dance floor. I could feel the eyes of the guests following our every move, their attention exactly where I wanted it–on me.

“You dance beautifully,” Ronan murmured, his hand firm against my waist. “Every man in this room is watching you right now.”

I smiled politely at his compliment. “Thank you.”

Such praise was nothing new to me. For years, I’d been celebrated as Northgate City’s most dazzling socialite. It was precisely this reputation that had caught the former Alpha King’s attention, leading him to arrange my marriage to Theodore.

“You truly are radiant tonight,” Ronan continued, his golden eyes studying my face intently.

I nodded absently, my thoughts drifting to Theodore. Despite his crippled legs, there was something about him that no other man in Northgate City could match. His presence, his intelligence, his power–even confined to a wheelchair, he commanded respect.

“Is something troubling you?” Ronan asked, pulling me closer than necessary for the dance.

I shook my head slightly. “Not at all.”

But in truth, I was growing bored with Ronan’s obvious flattery. Compared to Theodore, he seemed so… lacking. A sudden pang of regret hit me. Had I made a mistake letting Amelia take my place in the betrothal? Even with Theodore’s disability, perhaps I should have-

“You seem distracted,” Ronan interrupted my thoughts, his voice taking on a sharper edge. “Are you perhaps regretting your decision?”

I looked up at him, startled by his directness.

“Do you regret it?” he pressed. “That you were so close to marrying Theodore before his… unfortunate accident?”

His bluntness caught me off guard. “I-”

“What if I told you,” he continued, his voice dropping to a whisper, “that the future Alpha King might not be my brother after all?”

I stared at him in surprise. This wasn’t the reserved, polite Ronan I thought I knew.

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Chapter 50 Who Says She Can’t Dance

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“If I were to become the Alpha King instead,” he said, his eyes never leaving mine, “would you consider being my mate?”

The question shocked me. “I’ve never thought about that.”

“Is that so?” His grip on my waist tightened painfully. “Do you look down on me, Celine?”

I tensed as his fingers dug into my side. The smile on his face didn’t reach his eyes, which now held something predatory and unsettling.

“No! Of course not,” I hurried to explain, suddenly afraid. “I simply meant-”

“It’s alright,” he cut me off, his grip relaxing slightly. “I understand. I won’t rush you.” His thumb traced a small circle against my waist. “You’ll come to accept me in time.”

My heart raced uncomfortably. This wasn’t the charming prince I’d expected.

Suddenly, murmurs rippled through the crowd around us. I heard Amelia’s name mentioned repeatedly, followed by Caleb’s.

“Look,” someone nearby whispered loudly. “Caleb’s challenging her again. After that dress fiasco and being reprimanded by Patriarch Alaric, he’s still going after her.”

I turned my head to see Caleb formally extending his hand to Amelia, inviting her to dance. Everyone expected her to refuse–surely a country wolf wouldn’t know proper waltz.

To everyone’s shock, including mine, Amelia smiled calmly and accepted his hand.

The crowd’s attention immediately shifted away from me. I felt Ronan’s breath against my

ear.

“See that?” he whispered. “That’s the kind of woman my brother is reduced to now.”

His words struck a chord. I suddenly realized the precariousness of my position. I was no longer the Alpha’s true daughter but merely his adopted child. If I married Theodore and he lost his standing in the Crimson family, I would have nowhere to turn.

“You’re right,” I said, placing my hand delicately on Ronan’s chest. “You’re far more impressive than Theodore now.”

I looked up at him through my lashes. “I believe the future Alpha King will certainly be you.”

Ronan’s expression shifted to one of satisfaction. His hand came up to caress my cheek, his touch possessive.

“Everything Theodore once promised you,” he said, “all the glory, all the power–I can give you that and more.”

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S Chapter 50 Who Says She Can’t Dance

I smiled, ignoring the unease in my stomach.

(Amelia’s POV)

125 Pomis

I deliberately stepped on Caleb’s foot for what must have been the twentieth time, nearly causing him to stumble.

“Sorry,” I said with mock innocence as laughter erupted around us.

The guests were thoroughly enjoying the spectacle. Despite my apparent clumsiness, I maintained a confident smile, showing no embarrassment whatsoever. This seemed to amuse the audience even more, and I could hear them beginning to sympathize with poor

Caleb.

“That’s the eighty–ninth time you’ve stepped on my foot,” Caleb hissed through clenched teeth. His once–polished shoes were now scuffed beyond repair. “Are you doing this on purpose?”

I widened my eyes innocently. “Isn’t this what you wanted? To see me dance like this?”

“As if you could dance any other way,” he snapped, wincing as I trod on his toes again.

I gave him a sly smile. “Actually, I could.”

“I don’t believe you,” he said, preparing to pull away. “This is ridiculous. I’m done.”

Just as he was about to release me, I shifted my weight and posture. My movements suddenly became fluid and graceful, my steps perfectly timed with the music.

Caleb’s eyes widened in shock.