# Chapter 39 Just One Dance: A Partnership Forged in Tension and a Dance Denied
Nicole felt a cold knot tighten in her chest as the pieces finally clicked into place. So that was it. Eric Ferguson was already a shareholder in J&L Corporation—a fact that had been kept carefully hidden from her until now. She had suspected something was off, but never imagined Eric had set his sights on the field of artificial intelligence for so long.
If Gerard Lichman hadn't chosen to be transparent with her, she might never have uncovered this truth. And yet, the very fact that he had told her voluntarily spoke volumes. It was a gesture of good faith, proof that he genuinely wanted to work with her, not just with Eric.
Nicole took a slow, steadying breath. She was far from happy about Eric's involvement, but she was not the kind of woman who let personal grievances ruin business opportunities. She had built her career on clear-headed decisions and unwavering professionalism. She would not throw this chance away just because her ex-husband had wormed his way into the deal.
She raised an eyebrow and cast a sharp glance at Eric. "Ferguson Corporation is strong enough on its own. Why do you need a third party to get involved?"
Eric met her gaze without flinching. His voice was low and clear, carrying an undeniable authority. "This is a brand new field that no one has stepped into yet. Ferguson Corporation cannot afford to take this risk alone." A subtle smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Stanton Corporation won't regret choosing J&L. I hope we'll have a pleasant cooperation."
He raised his glass with those slender, beautiful hands. Gerard Lichman clinked his glass against Eric's, and the two men exchanged a knowing glance. The gesture felt like a silent pact—one that left Nicole standing on the outside, forced to accept what had already been decided.
Nicole forced a faint, cold smile and lifted her own glass. The soft clink of crystal was crisp and pleasant, but the sound did nothing to soothe the bitterness rising in her throat. Everything was settled. The deal was done.
And yet, her chest felt heavy, stuffed with an unpleasant tightness that refused to ease.
Gerard, ever the observant host, noticed the tense atmosphere crackling between the two former spouses. He cleared his throat and attempted to smooth things over. "Why don't you two take the first dance as the opening to our anniversary celebration? I think this is undoubtedly the best way to announce our cooperation."
Eric's brow furrowed slightly. Nicole let out a soft, humorless chuckle and reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. She smiled—a thin, perfunctory smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Sorry, but I don't know how to dance."
Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving both men standing there.
Eric stared after her retreating figure, his gaze fixed on the elegant curve of her back. *Doesn't know how to dance? Hah! That woman won more than a few trophies in dance competitions back at Ian Carter's parties.* His expression turned cold, a storm brewing behind his eyes.
Even though Nicole was upset, she maintained her graceful composure all the way down the stairs. Grant approached her with a warm, welcoming smile. "Done?"
Her dull expression gave away none of the triumph one would expect from closing a major deal. In fact, there was a coldness about her that puzzled Grant.
"Eric Ferguson is a shareholder," Nicole said flatly. "So Gerard Lichman proposed a three-way cooperation."
Grant paused, processing the information. Then, understanding dawned on his face, and he smiled gently. He reached out and stroked her hair with doting tenderness. "It's okay. That just means we have someone to share the risks with. The benefits in this certainly outweigh the disadvantages."
Nicole froze. She raised her eyebrows as the realization hit her like a splash of cold water. *Of course.* What Eric Ferguson was worried about—the risk of venturing into uncharted territory alone—was exactly the same concern Stanton Corporation had. A three-way partnership meant shared risk. Shared burden. Shared liability.
The benefits did outweigh the disadvantages.
The moodiness that had been pressing down on her chest suddenly lifted, swept away like a dark cloud after rain. She smiled, genuinely this time, and took Grant's arm. Then she gently rested her chin on his shoulder, her voice soft and whining. "G, thanks for reminding me. Otherwise, I would've been cursing all of them for days on end!"
Grant couldn't help but laugh, his eyes crinkling with affection.
But this intimate scene was an eyesore to a certain onlooker standing upstairs.
Eric stared down at the pair from the balcony, his jaw tight as he watched Grant and Nicole's close embrace, the way she leaned on him so naturally, so comfortably. Keith Ludwig appeared beside him and let out a low scoff.
"Tsk tsk... I heard Grant Stanton doesn't get close to women. So why is he so attached to this woman?" Keith's voice dripped with mockery. "They must have an unspeakable relationship."
Eric withdrew his gaze coldly, his face an unreadable mask. Without a word, he ignored Keith and descended the stairs to mingle with the other guests, throwing himself into the networking duties of the evening.
The banquet hall finally came alive with energy as guests mingled and conversations buzzed.
Gerard walked over to the emcee and whispered a few instructions. The emcee nodded and stepped forward, microphone in hand.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to J&L Corporation's 5th anniversary! To celebrate this momentous day, I will announce the latest project partners of J&L Corporation on behalf of Mr. Lichman—Ferguson Corporation and Stanton Corporation." A pause, then a flourish. "Now, let's invite Mr. Eric Ferguson and Ms. Nicole to share the opening dance!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, all eyes turning toward the two names that had been called.
Nicole's smile froze on her face.
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## Reader's Impressions & Star Rating
This chapter was a masterclass in tension, restraint, and unspoken emotions. The highlight for me was watching Nicole grapple with her personal feelings and her professional discipline—she's furious about Eric's involvement, but she's too sharp to let pride ruin a lucrative deal. The moment Grant reminded her that shared risk meant shared liability was a beautiful turning point. She went from stewing in bitterness to seeing the bigger picture in an instant. That's the mark of a true businesswoman.
And Eric? Standing there watching Nicole cling to Grant's arm, hearing Keith's poisonous insinuations, and saying nothing? That silence was louder than any accusation. He's clearly not over her, and seeing her with another man is eating him alive. The opening dance invitation at the end was the perfect cliffhanger—she said she didn't know how to dance, but we all know that's a lie. The question is: will she humiliate him by refusing in front of everyone, or will she accept and force them both into an excruciatingly intimate moment?
**⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars**
The political maneuvering, the emotional subtext, and the delicious awkwardness between the ex-spouses made this chapter a gripping read. One minor deduction for the predictable "I don't know how to dance" excuse—but the tension it creates makes up for it.
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## Next Chapter Prediction
Nicole is going to accept the dance out of sheer pride and social obligation, but the moment Eric takes her hand, the air between them will be electric—charged with unresolved history, suppressed anger, and a lingering attraction neither wants to admit. Grant will watch from the sidelines, his easy smile replaced by something far more wary. And Keith? He's going to use this opportunity to stir up trouble, likely whispering rumors about Nicole and Grant's "unspeakable relationship" to the wrong ears. The dance will be less about celebration and more about two people trying to survive three minutes of unbearable intimacy.