Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 151

Chapter 151 The Opening Dance 

Ava offered a warm smile and gave a slight nod. “I’ll keep my promise, don’t worry.” 

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At that, she offered a respectful nod to the group before turning and walking away without looking back. 

Keith glanced at the silly grin plastered on Ryan’s face. “Erase that look. You’re supposed to be a top star- control your expression.” 

Ryan quickly stifled his smirk. “You really enjoy sticking your nose in my affairs, don’t you?” 

He reverted to his usual distant, icy demeanor, a flash of impatience in his eyes. “Who knows how long Ms. Severn intends to keep Ava? And of all occasions, she had to show up at Ava’s coming–of–age party. It’s hard not to think she did it deliberately. 

“She ruined what could’ve been a perfect party. She got to dance with Ava, and we—the real leads–didn’t even get a chance.” 

Ryan’s outburst struck a nerve with the others. Weeks of planning for Ava’s coming–of–age party had been wasted in a blink. They’d been hoping to share a dance with her, but it was snatched away before it even started. 

Even the opening dance–a big moment–had been taken from them. If anyone found out about their connections later, that night would become an endless source of ridicule. 

Inside the hall, soft, gentle music filled the room. Couples twirled gracefully, gliding across the polished floor as the ballroom hummed with energy. 

A sweet–looking young woman approached shyly, asking Ryan for a dance. 

Already in a foul mood, Ryan didn’t spare her feelings. He unleashed a sharp, cutting remark that left her no way to recover, sending her running in tears. 

Keith stared in disbelief before letting out a low whistle. “With a temper like that and a tongue like a blade, what exactly do your fans see in you?” 

Ryan rolled his eyes. “Sorry I’m not as gentle as you. Why don’t you go dance with her instead?” 

Keith straightened his cuff. “I’m married. My gentleness is reserved for my wife alone.” 

Shortly after, another young woman approached Keith, asking for a dance. 

Ryan scoffed mockingly. 

Keith didn’t hesitate. “I’m unavailable, miss. Please ask someone else.” 

“Mr. Holcomb, I really admire-” 

He cut her off sharply, a hint of irritation in his voice. “I don’t want to dance with you. Please leave me be.” 

“Mr. Holcomb, I-” 

“Do you not understand my words?” Keith’s gaze turned icy, like a sudden snowstorm. “I said no. Are you 

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Chapter 151 The Opening Dance 

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The woman recoiled at his tone but understood the rejection perfectly. Frustrated and humiliated, she muttered under her breath, “No wonder you’re single.” 

Once she departed, Ryan pounced. “Your manners aren’t any better than mine. You act like a refined gentleman in public, but in truth, you’re just as sharp–tongued as I am–and yet you still have the nerve to roast me.” 

Tylissa had danced through two songs before she grew weary and declined further invitations. Her eyes swept the floor, but Ava was nowhere to be seen. The party’s star vanished after the opening dance. 

Her lips pressed into a thin line as she made her way to the lounge. Along the path, she politely but firmly turned down repeated requests to dance. 

Grabbing a flute of champagne from a passing server, she took a sip. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed five men sitting together and blinked in surprise. 

Her steps slowed, gaze fixed forward, glass steady in hand. She adjusted her Holoband, head lowered as she scrolled through messages. 

Stopping, she closed a message and powered down her Holoband. Then, looking up with a carefully surprised expression, she said, “Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize anyone was here. Am I disturbing you?” 

Ryan and Keith ignored her completely. Mason lounged, twirling a pin from his lapel without lifting an eyelid. Laurent shot her a brief, cool glance before turning to the night outside. 

Ethan looked up and acknowledged her presence. “It’s a lounge,” he said casually. “No one reserved it.” 

Then, he returned to his Holoband. 

Tylissa’s smile faded. 

She shifted the champagne to her right hand and picked a seat–not too close, not too far–close enough to participate, distant enough to avoid intruding. 

She set her glass down, brow furrowed slightly, pinched her ankle, and let out a soft, delicate hum. A slim ankle chain caught the eye, simple yet elegant. 

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