The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 552

She knows that one careless word could tip off the people lurking in the shadows, watching her every move.

"Perfect. I'll let Joseph know. He'll just give a stoic grunt, but deep down, he'll be thrilled," Victor laughs warmly.

His genuine joy makes Tara nostalgic for her years at the institute. The work was exhausting, but she was happier there. She felt a true sense of belonging she never found with the Dennis family.

After chatting a bit longer, Victor excuses himself to grab a drink. Almost immediately, a swarm of eager attendees intercepts him. Seeing this, Tara decides to give him some space. There will be plenty of opportunities to catch up with him later, and a crowded ballroom is hardly the place to discuss classified secrets anyway.

She turns, planning to sample the dessert table, when a man blocks her path.

"Miss Dennis. It's an absolute honor to meet you here," he says smoothly. "I'm the eldest son of the Lewis family. Landon Lewis. I have to say, I'm a massive fan. You are even more stunning in person than on screen. Care to join me for a dance?"

The Lewis family is wealthy and reputable—not quite on the level of the Calhoun or Sinclair dynasties, but holding equal footing with the Dennis family. Right on cue, the orchestra transitions into a lively, modern waltz, and couples begin filtering onto the dance floor. Catching Tara standing alone, Landon assumes he has the perfect opening.

His confidence shatters a second later.

"No, thank you," Tara replies, her tone completely flat. "I'm not interested in dancing."

"You really think you can dance with her?" a dark, chilling voice rumbles from above her head. "Take a good look in the mirror."

Landon's sleazy smirk vanishes. "M-Mr. Calhoun? She's with you?"

The sight of Danny is enough to make Landon physically recoil. Among the younger generation of the city's elite, Danny is the undisputed apex predator. An instinctual, visceral fear grips them whenever he enters a room. It seems to be a generational curse—their fathers were all terrified of Danny's father, and now they are terrified of Danny.

Damn it, Landon curses inwardly. This guy ruins everything.