Chapter 440

Vivian Bennett couldn't help but ask Prince Dacia why he had chosen her.

After all, they were complete strangers.

It certainly couldn't be because of her looks—she was still wearing a mask.

Prince Dacia's eyes lit up.

He said it was because he had estimated her height.

He felt she was just the right height to dance with him.

Her outfit also matched his formal attire perfectly.

So he had chosen her without hesitation.

Vivian nearly choked.

It was just because of her height.

There was no romance in it at all.

And Liam Sullivan had been so serious about outbidding him.

This prince really was straightforward.

A bit silly.

But adorably so.

Knowing the prince had no ulterior motives toward her.

Vivian finally relaxed.

She chatted and laughed with the prince as they danced.

But no matter how hard she tried to immerse herself.

She could always feel a sharp gaze drilling into her back.

It made it difficult for her to truly let go.

Prince Dacia led her in a lively traditional folk dance.

Noticing her distraction, he couldn't help but laugh.

"That gentleman from earlier, you know him, don't you?"

"Of course not." Vivian's smile was stiff.

"Don't deny it." Prince Dacia's tone was certain. "The way he was bidding, it was clear he's interested in you. And that look in his eyes, a mix of love and hate. Men understand men. You not only know each other, but you have a complicated history."

"Stop talking nonsense. I have no connection to him. He doesn't love me."

Vivian felt a heaviness in her chest.

Love and hate intertwined?

Hate, perhaps.

Love?

A man who could casually sleep with any woman.

How could he possibly have genuine feelings?

Every time she remembered that scene of him and Isabella Sullivan in the bathroom.

She felt suffocated with pain.

She had actually once believed he had fallen for her.

His persistence.

Was simply because he couldn't have her.

"Shall we test it?" Prince Dacia suddenly stopped.

Without warning, he cupped her face.

His lips landed on her cheek.

Both were wearing half-masks.

A kiss wasn't difficult.

But the position.

From behind, it looked like a passionate kiss.

Especially since Vivian had her back to Liam Sullivan.

She couldn't see the front at all.

She only felt the gaze behind her suddenly intensify.

It felt like it could pierce right through her.

Vivian's eyes widened.

Annoyed, she tried to push him away. "How can you just kiss someone like that?"

Prince Dacia looked innocent. "In Europe, cheek kissing is very common. A kiss doesn't mean anything. Your strong reaction—are you afraid he'll get jealous? Heh, you can't see his expression, but I'll tell you—his eyes are frighteningly dark, like he wants to devour me."

"Who's afraid of him getting jealous?" Vivian snapped. "His reaction has nothing to do with me. I'm worried about you."

This naive prince had no idea how terrifying Liam Sullivan could be.

Offending him.

Even for a prince.

Would not end well.