The security guards stopped right in front of Robert.They didn’t actually touch him. It wasn't because someone told them to stop, it was because something about the moment felt completely wrong.There was a small gap between the guards and Robert. About an arm's length away, it was barely noticeable, but it stayed there. It was a physical space filled with hesitation and uncertainty.The guests noticed, Morris noticed, too and His jaw clenched with anger.“I said remove him." Morris repeated. His voice was louder now, sharper, and much less patient.The guards shifted their weight uncomfortably. They started moving again, but they didn't have any confidence or authority. Their steps were careful, as if they were walking on thin ice. Their shoulders were stiff and their eyes darted around the room.Anyone paying attention could see the truth, they were afraid.As they moved closer to Robert, close enough that one of them could finally reach out and grab him, the men standing by the wa

The silence that followed Barry’s words lasted much longer than anyone expected. It was the kind of silence that made your ears ring.Morris stood frozen in place. His chest was rising and falling too quickly, and his hands were clenched so tightly that his knuckles had turned pale.The entire hall was staring at him now. They weren't looking at him with fear anymore, they were looking at him with expectation.They were waiting to see if he would break and this was the moment, if Morris pushed back now, the entire event would shatter into pieces.Morris forced himself to take a breath. Slowly and carefully, he straightened his expensive jacket and lifted his chin. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm and controlled, but it sounded like he was forcing the words out through his teeth.“This is already getting out of hand." Morris said. “Dragging this out any further will only ruin the evening for everyone here.”A few guests nodded instinctively. They were desperate for any excuse

The whispers started through the hall, soft, and full of denial.Nobody wanted to believe what their eyes were telling them. Andrew Schmidt, the most powerful man in the room, had bowed and Barry, a man who feared no one, was standing behind a student like a hired guard.It didn’t fit. It didn’t make sense, so the wealthy guests did what they always did when the truth bruised their pride. They invented a comfortable lie."It must be her," someone muttered.Slowly, every head in the hall turned. Toward Avery.She stood next to Robert, looking like a goddess. The soft lights made her skin glow. She was tall, calm, and beautiful. She didn't have to demand attention, she was the center of it. To the crowd, she was the only explanation. She was the kind of woman men built empires for."That’s it," a man whispered in the back. "Andrew is honoring the Darby family.""Of course," another agreed. "It’s out of respect for her father, the Professor."The lie was clean and safe. It was comfortab

Edward stepped forward.The music was still playing in the background, but the elegance was gone. The air in the hall felt tense, like a wire pulled until it was ready to snap.Chloe didn't wait for him. She moved first, stopping a passing waiter with a mean glare. Without saying a word, she snatched a glass of deep red wine from his tray. She took a slow, cold sip, her lips curled into a smile.Then she walked forward. She didn't rush. She didn't hesitate. She walked like she already owned the stage.Robert and Avery were still moving.They were smooth, controlled, and perfectly in sync with the music. They acted like they hadn’t even noticed the shift in the room, but the crowd certainly had, and whispers had started.Edward climbed up first, followed by Chloe. She lifted the hem of her expensive dress as she stepped onto the marble. The overhead spotlight widened to focus on all four of them.Avery felt the change instantly. Her mood had turned sour. She glanced toward Morris Emmet

Morris’s eyes widened in total shock. For a second, he thought he had actually misheard.The entire hall felt distorted, like he was trapped inside a bad dream. The lights seemed too bright, and the silence was so loud it made his ears ring. Professor Darby was more than just an associate, he was a friend. They had shared expensive dinners, closed massive deals, and laughed over private jokes for years.And now, there he was, standing on the stage, siding with a boy.First, the Professor had forced Morris to let the boy stay when he was uninvited. Then, he demanded an apology. Morris blinked slowly, trying to stop his hands from shaking.“Professor Darby…” His voice came out low and strained. “What are you doing right now? You’re already ruining our friendship.”A murmur moved through the guests like a cold wind. Professor Darby didn't even blink.“This is not personal, Morris." the Professor said calmly. “This is necessary.”Morris’s jaw clenched. “Personal?” He gave a hollow, bitter