As Amelia thought about it, she felt the weight of her emotions, and tears filled her eyes. She could only endure the pain in silence. She felt like the least capable member of her family and was willing to make any sacrifice. If her marriage could benefit her family, she would do it.
After the interlude, the banquet carried on.
The attempt by the Reeds to form a marriage alliance with the Thompson family fell through, which undoubtedly gave the Salvadors and Hoffmans some confidence. Even James Iverson seemed to be eager to make a move.
Wilson Jr. looked depressed after being rejected by Bella. Wilson noticed his son's embarrassed expression and tried to maintain a neutral face, but could he really hide what he was thinking?
It seemed like the opportunity to work with the Thompson family on the racecourse hotel project was likely off the table.
As the music changed, everyone paired up and started dancing gracefully, livening up the atmosphere at the banquet hall.
Bella knew Amelia was shy. She had never been to such a fancy dance before and probably felt nervous in social situations. Instead, they both sat in one corner of the room, chatting and sipping juice.
The young men around couldn't take their eyes off Amelia, each hoping for a chance to ask her to dance. But no one dared approach because Bella had such a strong and oppressive presence. They could only admire Amelia from a distance.
Amelia kept her inner struggle to herself around her sister, barely speaking.
Bella held her sister's cold hand tightly and took a deep breath. "Amelia, you can't just give in to an arranged marriage. Trust me, I'll make sure you marry the person you love."
"I'm fine, Bella," Amelia said with trembling fingers and a forced smile. "I'll go along with the marriage set up by Mom and Dad. You focus on being with Mr. Salvador and stop worrying about me."
Bella immediately exclaimed, "Silly girl! What nonsense are you talking about?! How could I ever sacrifice your happiness for my own? What kind of person would I be then?!"
Bella's voice was hoarse. "If things don't work out between you and Steve, I'd rather not get married for the rest of my life!" "Bella, please don't be stubborn. I am doing this willingly, and it's not related to you," Amelia reassured, about to continue persuading when they heard a voice.
"Ms. Bella, may I have the pleasure of sharing a dance with you?"
Both sisters looked up simultaneously.
They saw the well-dressed Wilson Jr. standing before Bella, politely offering his hand and eagerly awaiting her response. Bella maintained a neutral expression, bu before she could reply, Wilson Jr. said, "If you won't let me court you, would you at least give me the chance to dance with you? Dancing is merely a social activity. Please don't read too much into it. I really admire and respect you. There is no hidden agenda here. Ms. Bella, you wouldn't say no to me, right?"
All eyes turned toward them.
Amelia frowned. She could clearly tell that her sister truly disliked this blond man. But with him clinging to Bella like that, refusing would make Bella seem arrogant and stuck-up.
After a moment of awkward silence, Bella couldn't think of an excuse to refuse, so she hesitantly raised her hand.
All of a sudden, a mysterious figure rushed in, bringing in a light breeze.
Before Wilson Jr. could do anything, the soft and slender hand in front of him was abruptly snatched away.
Bella's gorgeous eyes widened a bit as everything around them quickly became blurry. After a few elegant twirls, her graceful form was whisked into the center of the dance floor, under everyone's watchful eyes.