The moment June de Oberoi stepped fully into the ballroom, the atmosphere changed.
Music continued to play, nobles continued to talk…
But all eyes were drawn to her.
Like a single blue flower blooming in a field of gold.
Young lords gathered nearby, adjusting their coats, whispering nervously, building courage.
"Who is she?""I must ask her for a dance.""No — I saw her first."
One by one, they approached.
"Lady, may I have the honor of your first dance?"
"Would you allow me to escort you this evening?"
"You look breathtaking tonight."
June blinked in surprise, her cheeks warming slightly. She wasn't used to so much attention.
"I— thank you…" she said softly, unsure how to refuse without hurting anyone.
More men gathered.
Too many.
They surrounded her like bees around honey, each trying to win her attention, each hoping to be the one she would smile at.
Across the hall—
Lucas watched.
His golden eyes narrowed slightly.
Annoyance flickered across his cold expression.
Ridiculous, he thought.
All this chaos over one girl?
And yet…
He couldn't look away.
Something about her calm presence in the middle of the crowd irritated him — and intrigued him at the same time.
She wasn't acting proud.
She wasn't trying to impress anyone.
She looked… overwhelmed.
Lucas clicked his tongue quietly.
"Pathetic," he muttered, though he wasn't sure if he meant the men surrounding her…
Or himself for paying attention.
At that moment, June lifted her gaze—
And accidentally met his eyes again.