The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 197: Sudden Entanglement

Sophie jumped up and exclaimed, "Victoria, you're amazing! If anyone else thinks they can do better, step up and do ten flips!" 

She laughed wildly, casting a challenging glance at Dena's group.

Lily stared at Victoria, thinking about how quickly she had improved. On Thanksgiving, she thought Victoria's win was just luck, but today she realized Victoria's dance fundamentals were incredibly strong. She truly was a worthy opponent. 

Maggie, on the other hand, turned her head in defiance. She acknowledged Victoria's skill but refused to admit defeat out loud.

"The young people these days are really something. Your fundamentals are solid; you haven't let Diana down. I'm happy for her," Dena sighed, forcing a smile. 

She then turned and patted Maggie on the shoulder, "Let's go."

Before Dena's group had gone far, Sophie and Willow's friends gathered around Victoria, amazed and curious, asking her questions and complimenting her impressive moves. They asked how long she had been practicing. 

Willow, also impressed, said, "Victoria, I didn't know you had such skills. Do you practice your fundamentals every day at home?"

Victoria waved her hand dismissively, "I practiced a lot before, and I also learned some martial arts, so doing flashy moves is easier for me. But when it comes to real dancing, I can't compare to your grace." 

"My hands are a bit dirty; I'll go clean up in the restroom." Overwhelmed by everyone's enthusiasm, Victoria quickly found an excuse to slip away.

When the food was served, Victoria sat with Sophie. The sisters introduced her to many friends their age, and Victoria greeted them politely. 

Meanwhile, the music from the next room grew louder, accompanied by a couple's voices sharing their love story. 

It seemed to be Maggie and her boyfriend Paul. Maggie had deliberately booked her birthday party next to Willow's and had Paul cooperate to annoy Willow and Sophie.

Sophie was a bit annoyed and whispered, "It's so noisy next door, no manners at all. Who wants to hear their tacky love story?" 

She glanced at Willow's expression, which seemed unchanged, indicating she didn't care about Paul, the jerk.

Willow put down her utensils and called a waiter over, whispering something to him. 

The waiter went to the sound system, changed the USB drive, and started playing rock music at full volume. The music quickly drowned out Maggie's voice. 

Frustrated, Maggie called the hotel manager and complained, "The music next door is so loud I can't hear myself talk. Why aren't you doing something about it?"

The manager bowed and apologized, then smiled and said, "Ms. Willow Russell next door also complained about your noise. How about we both compromise and lower the volume on both sides?"

Maggie retorted, "My voice isn't loud! And I turned up the volume to share my love's sweetness with them. They should be grateful, not blame me. Women who can't get a man are just bitter!"

Paul's hand holding the microphone trembled, "Willow, the person next door is her?" 

He had booked the hotel at Maggie's request, unaware that Willow was also celebrating her birthday there. 

Realizing that his long-time crush Willow was next door and had heard his love story with his girlfriend, he suddenly felt a pang of regret.

Maggie glared at him, "What, you still have feelings for her?"

"No, no!" Paul quickly denied, "But it's your birthday today. Let's be happy and not get angry. Anger isn't pretty. How about we both lower the volume a bit?" 

Maggie pouted a bit more but finally agreed. Both sides quieted down, playing soothing music.

Midway through the party, Willow received a phone call and left the banquet hall, heading to the hotel's central garden. It was quiet and deserted. 

After finishing her call, she turned to leave but was grabbed by the wrist by a man. Looking up, she saw it was Paul. 

He seemed to have drunk a lot, his cheeks flushed, and his eyes a bit hazy. He reeked of alcohol and called out longingly, "Willow."

Willow tried to pull her hand away but couldn't, so she covered her nose in disgust and said, "You smell awful, let go of me!"

Paul reluctantly released her hand, sniffed himself, and said, "I don't smell. Willow, it's been a long time. I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. I promised to take you to see fireworks every birthday. If you want, I can still get you a truckload of fireworks." 

Paul had long lost the excitement of being with Maggie. Maggie was cute and charming, but her looks couldn't compare to Willow's elegance. 

Seeing Willow dressed up today, Paul realized she was still the most beautiful. Willow was three inches taller than Maggie, and her long legs were incredibly attractive.

Willow took two steps back, eyeing him warily, and said coldly, "I think you've had too much to drink. We have nothing to do with each other anymore. Save your promises for your current girlfriend. Please move aside." She tried to walk past him.

Paul, feeling reluctant but still stepping aside, let her pass. 

As Willow walked by, her fragrance hit him, and a sudden impulse surged within him. He reached out and hugged Willow's waist from behind.