131Howard's hands trembled with anger, but he knew arguing further would only worsen his situation. "Yes, Father."Elliot leaned back, his expression hardening. "You are confined to this estate until further notice. I will not have you sullying our name any further."Howard rose from his seat, his face a mask of resentment. "Is that all, Father?"Elliot's voice was dismissive. "For now. But know this, Howard. Your actions tonight have consequences far beyond what you can comprehend."With a curt nod, Howard turned and left the study, seething with fury and humiliation. He had lost face in front of everyone who mattered, and the sting of his father's disappointment cut deeper than any physical blow.****That night, Howard laid awake seething, going over the night's events again and again in his mind. His confrontation with Darius, Mr. Rossi's defense of the man, Howard's own public humiliation. It gnawed at him like a festering wound. As the first rays of sun broke through his window

133Mr. Sanchez stormed into his office, his usual calm demeanor disrupted by a simmering rage. "Darius, how dare they threaten you like this? Howard, Lydia, Nathan... they will pay dearly for their arrogance."Darius, always composed in the face of adversity, calmly sorted through papers, his voice

135The day of the celebration arrived with the town's elite gathering at the grand estate, adorned with shimmering lights and orchestral melodies filling the air. Darius, dressed in a tailored suit and greeted warmly by guests, maintained his composed demeanor despite sensing an undercurrent of ten

137After the heartfelt moment, Darius stepped back to allow Mrs. Kinsey a moment in the spotlight. Overwhelmed with emotion, she gathered herself and addressed the room with a voice filled with gratitude and hope."Thank you, everyone," Mrs. Kinsey began, her voice steady yet touched with emotion.

139Meanwhile, Darius, unaware of the whispers circulating around him, continued to mingle graciously. He shared his vision for the orphanage passionately, his eyes alight with hope for a brighter future for the children.Mr. Sanchez, observing the proceedings with pride, couldn't help but notice th