Ethan joined in, adding, “It’s funny how some people just can't handle a little friendly competition. They get left behind.”Oliver, maintaining his calm demeanor, replied, “Modesty isn’t about being left behind; it’s about understanding that actions speak louder than words.”With every jab Marcus and his friends threw, Oliver’s calm, modest replies seemed to leave them momentarily at a loss for words. “Seems like you’re all quite good at boasting,” Oliver said, “but sometimes the real measure of success is how well you treat others, not how much you brag.”Marcus tried to retort, but Oliver’s words seemed to cut deeper than intended, leaving him momentarily speechless.Just as the tension in the air became unbearable and the confrontation threatened to turn into a scene, a new figure approached them. A woman in her late fifties, dressed in an elegant, navy blue dress with intricate embroidery, her silver hair pulled back in a graceful bun, walked up to the group. She exuded an air

Before anyone else could respond, Oliver quickly took the opportunity to de-escalate. “We’re just having a friendly conversation,” he said, his voice even and calm. “Nothing more.”The man’s eyes swept over the group, his gaze lingering on Marcus, who still looked like he was about to burst. After a pause, the man nodded and suggested, “Perhaps it’s time for a change of subject. Why don’t we move away from here? Come with me.” His tone wasn’t a suggestion; it was a directive, but it was delivered with such grace and authority that it left little room for argument.Marcus and the twins fell silent, fuming but unwilling to oppose the man’s suggestion. It was clear that whoever this man was, he commanded a level of respect that even Marcus couldn’t challenge at the moment.But while the group was momentarily subdued, Mrs. Thompson, still simmering from Oliver’s earlier remarks, was not about to let things slide. She glared daggers at Oliver, her nostrils flaring as she prepared to unlea

"You really have come a long way, Marcus," one older gentleman commented, shaking his hand firmly. "Mrs. Thompson was right to single you out. You've made quite a name for yourself.""Always knew you'd go far, Marcus," another chimed in. "You've got that determination and drive.""You're really the star of the night," a woman added, her smile beaming.These words, laced with admiration, only served to inflate Marcus’s already bloated sense of self-importance. The more they praised him, the more he puffed out his chest, his posture exuding arrogance.The twins, hovered around him, their exaggerated flattery almost unbearable. They laughed too loudly at his jokes, clung to every word he spoke, and constantly vied for his attention, making sure everyone noticed how close they were to him."Marcus, you’re just on another level tonight. Honestly, who could compare?" Nathan gushed, her voice almost too sweet."You're like the king of the room. Everyone's looking at you," Nada added, casting