The six bodyguards stood frozen like statues, their earlier confidence completely evaporated. Marcus's hand, which had been reaching forward to grab Pervis, slowly lowered back to his side. None of them dared to move even an inch toward their intended target.The threat from Damien Black wasn't something they could ignore or laugh off. This was a man who could make or break entire corporations with a single phone call. Compared to that kind of power, what could Isabella Downey possibly offer them?"We... we apologize, Mr. Black," Marcus stammered, taking a respectful step backward. "We meant no disrespect. We were simply following our employer's orders.""Then perhaps you should choose your employers more carefully," Damien said coldly.Isabella felt heat rushing to her face—a mixture of humiliation, rage, and growing fear. This wasn't supposed to happen. She was Isabella Downey! People didn't treat her this way!"Mr. Black," Isabella said, forcing her voice to sound calm and reasonab

Pervis looked down at the pathetic scene before him—Andrew on his knees, Isabella forcing out apologies, the bodyguards bowing—and felt nothing but indifference. These people had shown their true colors. Their apologies now meant nothing."You're not worth my time," Pervis said calmly, his voice carrying clearly across the parking area. "None of you are."He turned to Alicia, his expression softening slightly. "We came here for dinner. That's all I care about—fulfilling what you wanted, which was to celebrate together. These people?" He gestured dismissively at the groveling crowd. "They're irrelevant."Alicia felt her heart skip a beat at his words. Despite everything that had happened, despite the chaos and confrontation, he was still focused on her, on their dinner plans, on making her happy.Damien Black observed Pervis's response and immediately understood the situation. These people clearly hadn't begged properly. Their apologies were half-hearted, forced, lacking genuine remors

Pervis and Alicia continued walking toward the restaurant entrance, their footsteps steady and unhurried. Behind them, Andrew's desperate sobs grew louder, more frantic, but neither of them turned around."Mr. Tyler! Please! Think of my children! They're innocent in all this!" Andrew's voice cracked with desperation. "My daughter is only eight years old! My son is twelve! They didn't do anything wrong! Don't punish them for my mistakes!"Pervis's jaw tightened, but he kept walking. He'd seen this tactic before—using family as a shield, as leverage for sympathy. It was manipulative and desperate.But Alicia slowed her pace slightly, her expression conflicted. She glanced back at Andrew's prostrate form, his suit filthy and torn, tears streaming down his face as he mentioned his children again."Pervis," Alicia said softly, touching his arm. "Wait a moment."Pervis stopped and looked at her, his frown deepening. "Alicia, you can't be serious.""I know he doesn't deserve it," Alicia said

Isabella could hear her father's sharp intake of breath. "Mr. Black, please, let me speak with her immediately. I'm sure there's been a misunderstanding—""No misunderstanding, Mr. Downey. Everything was recorded by multiple witnesses. Your daughter's behavior was deliberate and malicious.""Father!" Isabella grabbed for the phone but Damien stepped back, keeping it out of reach. "Father, it wasn't like that! He's exaggerating! I didn't—""Isabella?" Her father's voice came through the speaker, sharp with anger and fear. "What have you done? Do you have any idea—" He cut himself off, clearly trying to maintain composure while speaking to Damien. "Mr. Black, on behalf of the Downey family, I sincerely apologize for my daughter's behavior. Whatever consequences you deem appropriate, we will accept without complaint.""I appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Downey," Damien said. "I'll be in touch regarding how this will affect our business relationship.""Business relationship?" Isabella's f

Similar conversations were happening at multiple tables. Everyone wanted to know who Pervis Tyler was, but no one dared approach their table to ask. Damien Black's presence alone was intimidating enough, but the clear deference he showed to Pervis made it obvious that interrupting would be a serious mistake.The dinner progressed smoothly, though Alicia barely tasted the exquisite food placed before her. She answered when spoken to, smiled at appropriate moments, but her mind remained in a state of stunned confusion.After nearly two hours, as dessert was being cleared away, Pervis glanced at his watch. "We should probably head out soon.""Of course," Damien said immediately, signaling for the check even though he'd already insisted everything was complimentary. "Let me walk you out."They rose from the table, and every eye in the restaurant followed them. Andrew appeared instantly, bowing and thanking them profusely for their patronage, promising that their experience would be flawle