Chapter 99

The man wore a black suit with striking royal blue cufflinks. His light-colored Patek Philippe watch added a vintage touch, complementing his Phantom of the Opera mask. Miranda met his smiling eyes and instantly recognized him: Sam.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I don't know how to dance."

Sam replied confidently, "I saw you dancing backstage once in college."

Miranda was speechless, exposed. She remembered the solo dance she'd been unable to perform at her fourth-year graduation party—a dance she'd practiced for two months before a calf injury sidelined her. She'd almost forgotten about it.

At that moment, the host spoke onstage, and the spotlight swept across the crowd, eliciting waves of increasingly louder screams. It finally settled on Miranda and Sam, encircling them in a bright white light.

Sam smiled. "The ball has a rule—the couple in the spotlight must dance. Even God can't bear to see me rejected. Do you really want to disappoint everyone?" He bowed, extending his arm in invitation.

The crowd cheered. "Take his hand! Take his hand! Dance! Dance!"

Miranda gritted her teeth, then took his hand. Sam led her to the center of the dance floor. A step forward, a step back, a twirl, a hug. The tall, handsome Phantom held an adorable, sly fox in his arms. Their gazes met as his figure intertwined with the folds of her skirt. Sam smiled, feeling delighted and content.

Miranda not only knew how to dance, she was highly skilled. This was thanks to her mother, Mindy Harrison, who believed Miranda, like other girls, deserved lessons in dance, drawing, music, and etiquette. She raised Miranda to be a well-mannered, multi-talented individual. Mindy was surprised when her daughter excelled even further in academics.

Miranda participated in numerous Olympiads—biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics—progressing from preliminary rounds to state, national, and eventually international competitions (summer and winter camps). She won numerous awards, astounding her school and the country. Top universities offered her places without exams, some promising overseas study with government sponsorships. However, Miranda declined these offers, preferring to take her high school exams. She became the city's top scorer in science subjects, securing admission to Bedford College.

"What's on your mind?" Sam's voice was beside her ear.

Miranda snapped out of her reverie. "Just the old days."

"Your college days?" Sam's eyes dimmed. There was someone from those memories he was reluctant to mention.

"No," Miranda shook her head.

Sam chuckled, his deep voice resonating. With a flick of his foot and a swirl of his arms, he twirled her swiftly. Screams erupted again.

Though he led, his pace and movements were considerate of her abilities. He was a gentleman, placing his hand gently on her waist, making no advances.

"You're gorgeous today," he said joyfully. "The fox mask suits you."

Miranda arched an eyebrow. "Are you coincidentally here on vacation, too?"

Chapter 100