“I'm choosing respect over arrogance, and more importantly, you're not even guests I personally invited. I'm honestly not sure who thought it was appropriate to send you an invitation,” Laura told Emma with a steady voice, making it clear that her patience was running out.Eliot finally stepped forward, trying to ease the tension before his wife made the situation even worse. “Mrs. Ashford, perhaps there's been some misunderstanding. We didn't come here intending to cause any trouble.”“There is no misunderstanding,” Laura responded, turning her attention toward him. “Your wife has insulted my son-in-law in my own home, and she isn't even someone we invited personally. My husband's assistant apparently mistook your family for people who belonged on the guest list and sent the invitation by mistake. Instead of attending quietly, you have created a scene and insulted someone my family respects.”Brandon felt something unfamiliar settle in his chest when Laura referred to him as part of

“What is your father going to announce? Do you've any idea about it?” Brandon asked Victoria, glancing toward David with growing confusion.Victoria looked equally puzzled as she watched her father hold the attention of the room. “I honestly have no idea. He never mentioned anything about making an announcement tonight.”David lifted his champagne glass and smiled at the guests before turning his attention toward Brandon and Victoria. “Before we continue with the celebration, Laura and I have something important we would like to share with everyone.”A few guests exchanged curious looks, while Victoria's confusion only grew.David continued with a pleased smile. “As many of you already know, Victoria has always been an important part of our lives, and naturally, we have always wanted to see her with someone who respects her, understands her, and can stand beside her through every stage of life.”Victoria slowly turned toward her father.Brandon glanced at her, equally uncertain about

“Miss Ashford, I brought you breakfast.”Victoria looked up from her laptop as Brandon walked into her office carrying a small paper bag. She had been going through a stack of documents when she noticed the familiar face appearing at her door, and the sight of him this early in the morning caught her off guard.“You came to my office just to bring me breakfast?” she asked, watching him place the bag on her desk.“You usually remind me I forget to eat when I'm busy, so this time for a change I thought I'd save you the trouble of pretending you weren't hungry,” Brandon replied as he opened the bag. “I made something simple. You can eat it before it gets cold.”Victoria smiled as she looked at the containers. “You made all of this yourself?”Brandon pulled out a chair and sat across from her. “Why do you sound so surprised? It's not like you've never eaten my cooking.” “I know you can cook. My mother has been bragging about that since the anniversary party.”Brandon gave her a small sm

“Miss Ashford, are you still thinking about Mr. Callaghan?”Victoria lifted her eyes from the documents on her desk and found Claire standing across from her with a tablet in her hands. Her secretary had been working with her for years, long enough to recognize when Victoria was distracted even when she appeared completely focused on work.Victoria closed the file in front of her and leaned back in her chair. “Why would you think that?”Claire gave her a small smile. “Because you've read the same page almost three times.”Victoria glanced at the document and realized Claire was right. She had been staring at the same figures without actually processing them.“I was thinking about the announcement,” Victoria admitted. “Everything happened so quickly that I still haven't gotten used to seeing Brandon's face in every article.”Claire placed the tablet on the desk and pulled out the chair opposite Victoria. “Most people would be more concerned about their parents announcing their marriage

“Brandon, I wanted to speak with you about the project.”Brandon sat across from Mr. Norway, waiting for him to continue. “Of course, Mr. Norway. Is there something wrong with the final report?”Mr. Norway smiled at Brandon with evident pride on his face. “Quite the opposite. I went through the final results this morning, and I have to admit, you impressed me far more than I originally expected.”Brandon relaxed slightly. “I'm glad to hear that.”“I don't think you realize how well you handled that project,” Mr. Norway continued as he placed the report on his desk. “There were several problems when you took over, and most people would have needed much more time to bring everything under control. But you completed it ahead of schedule, cut down on unnecessary expenses, and never compromised on the quality of the results. I have to admit, I seriously underestimated you.”Brandon gave a modest smile. “The team helped me a lot. I couldn't have completed it without them, especially your as