# Chapter 35: A Dance of Defiance
Samantha's face drained of all color as she stood trembling before Nicole. The recording Nicole held was a weapon that could destroy everything she had worked for—her career, her reputation, even her freedom. Nicole's voice cut through the tension like a blade: "Samantha, if I expose this recording, the company will thoroughly investigate all the projects you handle. You won't be able to stay in this industry anymore. You might even face imprisonment. Are you really willing to sacrifice your entire career for FH Corporation?"
The answer was written all over Samantha's face. She would never give up everything for a sinking ship. Panic flickered in her eyes before she bowed her head, her tone suddenly dripping with respect. "Nic—Vice President Nicole, I was too reckless. You're right. FH Corporation's project isn't worth it. They're already an empty shell."
Nicole nodded with satisfaction, her power firmly established. "Then forget about FH Corporation. I recognize your talent, Samantha, but use it for your own work—not other people's businesses."
"Yes, Vice President Nicole," Samantha replied stiffly, her pride wounded but her career intact.
With that matter settled, Nicole turned her attention to the J&L project—a deal she *needed* to win. Eric's Ferguson Corporation was the only company with a stronger background than Stanton Corporation, but she'd discovered they weren't interested in artificial intelligence. The path was clear.
As evening descended, Logan entered with a stack of documents. "Ms. Nicole, J&L Corporation has turned their anniversary dinner into a networking party. They're announcing their project partners there. They've sent us a VIP invitation—should I contact them beforehand?"
Nicole rubbed her temples, strategizing. "J&L knows they have a golden egg. Everyone's fighting for a piece. No need to contact them early—we have the best conditions. We'll just show up."
Just as she prepared to leave, a knock came at the door. Ian Carter stood there, devilishly handsome with that seductive smile that made women weak at the knees. "Ms. Stanton, do I have the honor of taking you to dinner?"
Nicole couldn't help but smile. "Of course, Second Young Master Carter. I'd love for you to buy me dinner."
Logan wisely retreated as Ian gallantly helped Nicole into her coat and grabbed her bag, his excitement barely contained. "I've driven away our biggest third wheel, Hugh, so we finally have some alone time!"
Nicole rolled her eyes. Ian was always flirting—she never took him seriously.
"I'm hungry. What are we eating?"
"There's a new lovers' restaurant in South City..." Ian stopped mid-sentence when Nicole shot him a sharp look, quickly correcting himself. "...that *I* just opened. Let's go check it out."
Nicole strutted ahead in her stilettos while Ian followed, smug satisfaction plastered across his face.
The restaurant occupied the top floor of a skyscraper, offering a breathtaking view of the city's neon lights scattered like jewels across the nightscape. Couples swayed to romantic music on the dance floor—the kind of atmosphere that made it impossible not to get swept away.
Nicole finally allowed herself to relax. Her favorite song began playing, stirring something deep within her as she closed her eyes. When she opened them, a bouquet of fresh Swiss lilies floated before her—Ian holding them with a charming smile. "For you. Your favorite."
Music and flowers—the gold standard for any lovers' restaurant. But Nicole felt not even a flicker of romantic thought toward Ian. She smiled politely, took the bouquet, and set it aside. "Thank you. Not bad for a lovers' restaurant. The service is spot on."
Ian stared at her blankly. *She thinks this is standard service? This fresh bouquet was flown in from Switzerland this morning—the soil was still damp when I received it. Does she think everyone gets this treatment?* He shook his head helplessly. *Forget it. I have all the patience in the world.*
Throughout dinner, Ian enthusiastically introduced each dish, but Nicole ate without particular interest. Finally, he couldn't contain himself. "Did you receive the flowers I sent to your office?"
"Mhmm. Thanks."
Ian's face stiffened. *That's it? Shouldn't she ask why?*
"Second Young Master, pray tell—was this just a whim?"
"I'm courting you!" Ian was annoyed at how oblivious she seemed.
Nicole let out a faint "oh," then wiped her mouth delicately. "Sorry, but I don't accept. Don't waste your time and energy on me."
Ian was furious. *Such a straightforward rejection—without even caring about my feelings?* He looked at her solemnly. "We're not friends anymore. From now on, I'm your suitor."
Nicole blinked innocently. "Then let's stop contacting each other."
Not far away, in a shadowed corner, Keith Ludwig snorted. "Look at those two flirting. What does Second Young Master Carter even see in a woman like that?"
Across from him, Eric Ferguson's expression was stone-cold as he withdrew his gaze. The food before him suddenly seemed tasteless.
Colton White approached their table with a smirk, his date Lily following. "Ferg, isn't that the scheming little—" He gestured with his chin toward Nicole and Ian.
Eric's jaw tightened. "Miss her already? Want me to send you back to her?"
Keith snorted. "Why are *you* here?"
"Lily said this place was nice. Isn't this a lovers' restaurant?" Colton implied, covering his mouth to hide his laughter.
Eric scowled at Keith, but Colton kept going. "Hey, Ferg. Isn't that the scheming b*tch?"
The music swelled, pleasant and soothing. Ian dragged Nicole onto the dance floor. "Just one dance. Since we're already here, don't you want to experience this dance floor?"
Before Nicole could refuse, the next song had already started. Refusing would only draw more attention. *Whatever... it's just a dance.*
The upbeat melody carried them. After a momentary hesitation, their steps synchronized perfectly, and soon they became the center of attention. Couples stopped dancing to watch—the devilishly handsome man and the elegant, beautiful woman, the hem of her skirt swaying as she moved.
Ian caught sight of someone in the corner. As the song ended, he pulled Nicole into his arms, turning his back to the crowd, and lowered his head as if embracing her for a kiss. From behind, it looked passionate—intimate.
The restaurant erupted in applause.
Before Nicole could react, Ian chuckled and pulled her out of the restaurant.
In the corner, Eric remained silent, his face cold as ice.
Keith watched the couple's retreating backs and snorted. "It's not that great." Even though their dance rivaled professional performers, Keith would never admit Nicole danced well.
"Right? That scheming b*tch hooked up with another guy so soon?" Colton sneered.
Eric swept a cold glance at Colton. "Scheming b*tch? Is that what you call her behind her back?"
"Yeah, what else? She did everything she could to marry you for money. We all know what she did to trap you—we're all glad you finally divorced her. You don't have to put up with that shrew anymore."
Colton didn't notice Eric's darkening expression as he continued recalling old memories. "I remember when you first got married and we went drinking—that woman called in the middle of the night to check on you while you were in the bathroom. I picked up and warned her to know her place. She's so ignorant—can't she see that marrying you was already an honor for her?"
Suddenly, a cup slammed onto the table. The lively chatter instantly died.
Keith looked puzzled. *Eric is clearly angry—is it because of *her*?*
The influencer Lily trembled in fear. She had hoped to hook up with someone powerful, but she couldn't even get a word in.
"Ferg..." Colton looked to Keith for help.
Eric sneered, his voice dripping with menace. "Colton, why don't you just become the Head of the Ferguson family if you like meddling in my business so much?"
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## Reader's Impressions & Star Rating
This chapter was a rollercoaster of power dynamics, romantic tension, and raw emotional complexity. Watching Nicole dismantle Samantha with cold precision was immensely satisfying—she's no longer the victim everyone assumed she was. Her rejection of Ian was both hilarious and heartbreaking; you can feel his genuine frustration at being treated like just another suitor.
But the real fireworks happened in Eric's corner. The moment he defended Nicole against his "friends"—the same men who mocked her behind her back—was absolutely gripping. His anger when Colton called her a "scheming b*tch" spoke volumes. He's clearly not over her, and hearing how Colton mistreated her during their marriage made my blood boil. Eric's protective instincts are awakening, and it's delicious to watch him squirm.
The dance scene was beautifully written—the tension between Nicole, Ian, and the watching Eric created an electric atmosphere. Every glance, every movement carried weight.
**⭐ Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars**
## Next Chapter Prediction
Eric's cold fury at Colton suggests he's about to set some serious boundaries with his "friends." But more importantly—will he confront Nicole about Ian? The fake kiss will undoubtedly haunt him, and his jealousy might finally push him to act. Meanwhile, Nicole is heading toward the J&L Corporation party, which means an inevitable collision with Eric in a high-stakes business environment. The tension between them is about to explode—professionally and personally. Someone's carefully controlled walls are about to crumble.