The private hallway was deathly quiet.The cruel laughter from the main hall sounded distant now. It was faint, like a memory from another world. Avery walked beside Robert, her shoes clicking softly on the floor. She didn't speak.The guard in the dark suit followed them like a shadow, silent and steady.They reached the washroom and the guard stopped outside the door, standing like a statue. Robert and Avery stepped inside.The door clicked shut.The room was bright and cold. Everything was white marble and gold mirrors. For a long moment, neither of them said a word.Robert walked to the counter. He reached into his suit pocket, pulled out a silk handkerchief, and began to wipe the red wine stain from his sleeve. His movements were slow and perfectly controlled. Avery opened her purse and took out a napkin, gently dabbing at her dress.The room felt heavy because of the silence between them.When Robert finished, he folded the handkerchief neatly and put it back in his pocket, then

The footsteps grew louder.They weren't heavy or rushed. They were steady. One of the hotel’s lead security guards stepped away from the shadows at the edge of the hall. His uniform was perfect, and his face was serious as he moved with caution.The entire audience stayed silent, watching to see who would be hauled away.The guard stopped right in front of Jane. “Miss." he said respectfully. "is there a problem here?”Jane stood up straighter. Now that she had an audience and a uniform on her side, her arrogance came flooding back. “She insulted me." Jane snapped, pointing a shaking finger at Anna. “She insulted my family. The Emmetts and she isn’t even on the guest list. Throw her out of this event right now.”A quiet murmur moved through the nearby guests. They leaned in, hungry for the drama.The guard turned to Anna. He didn't grab her and he didn't shout; he just looked at her carefully. "Miss," he asked, his voice low. "Is this true?”Anna didn't look nervous. She didn't look an

Across the room, Edward smiled.It wasn't a big, goofy grin. It was a sharp, steady, and very confident look. Near the stage, a tall man stepped forward, and his presence made the whispers in the room die down instantly.It was Edward’s father, Morris Emmett.He adjusted the microphone with calm hands and looked out at the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen," he said, his voice deep and steady. “Thank you for being so patient tonight.”The ballroom went quiet.“I believe my son has something he would like to say to all of you.”A soft wave of curious whispers moved through the guests. Edward didn't rush. He walked toward the stage with slow, measured steps. He looked perfectly in control, maybe even a little too calm.He took the microphone from his father. For a second, he just stood there in silence. Then, he bowed his head just a little.“Tonight." Edward began, his voice sounding warm and clear. "did not start the way it should have.”The room was so still you could hear a pin drop.“Th

Edward saw it clearly. Robert had finally stepped onto the dance floor, and Anna was in his arms.For a heartbeat, Chloe felt his hand tighten around hers, the grip almost bruising. "So he came," she whispered. "What are we waiting for?"Edward’s lips curled into a soulless smile. "Nothing."They began to move again. Their steps were slow and smooth, drifting through the dancing guests like shadows. Across the room, Robert locked eyes with him. It wasn't a look of anger or a challenge, it was a silent, heavy warning.Edward held that gaze for a second too long, then looked away with a bored shrug, as if Robert didn't exist. He spun Chloe gently, keeping perfect time with the music.Anna felt the change in the air. "Is something wrong?" she asked softly, leaning into Robert as he guided her through a slow turn.Robert’s face was a mask of calm. "No. Let's keep dancing." But his eyes were no longer relaxed, they were scanning every move Edward made.On the edge of the floor, Tracy saw t

The music shifted into a roar.Champagne corks popped like gunfire, and the sound of laughter filled every corner of the hall. The guests crowded around the stage, cheering for the Emmetts as if they were kings."The fourth richest family in the country!" someone shouted."They signed the deal! History is happening right now!"Morris stood tall, his chest puffed out and a huge grin on his face. Edward was everywhere at once, shaking hands and soaking himself in the praise. Jane and other kids stood close by, smiling for the cameras as flashes lit up the room. To anyone watching, it looked like total victory.But at the far end of the room, the air was different. Robert sat perfectly still. Anna stood beside him, her face was quiet and distant. Professor Darby stood behind them like a silent shadow, and Avery watched Robert with worried eyes.Suddenly, Andrew and Barry began walking toward them.They moved through the crowd with a heavy, serious energy. People stepped out of their way