123Darius, taken aback by Mr. Rossi's approach and the respect he was being shown, managed to nod. "Yes, I'm Darius Wettin. Mr. Sanchez sent me in his stead," he replied, his voice steady but filled with cautious curiosity.Mr. Rossi's smile widened even further, if that was possible. "Splendid! I'
124Howard, still trying to process what had just unfolded, stammered, "I... I didn't see that coming."Nathan, his pride wounded and face burning with humiliation, clenched his fists, his voice trembling with anger. "You— you can't do that! I demand an apology!"But Mr. Rossi remained unflinching,
125Mr. Rossi, overhearing Howard's comment, arched an eyebrow and sighed. "You," Mr. Rossi's voice was a warning, sharp and commanding. Yet, Howard, driven by pride and anger, refused to back down."No, you're wrong about him. He's a nobody. And he had the nerve to show his face here!" Howard's wor
126Darius, witnessing the scene, felt a jumble of emotions. Surprise, certainly, at Mr. Rossi's defense, but also a sense of unease. He had never intended to cause a rift, especially not one so profound that it would lead to violence.Despite Howard's disrespect and mockery, Darius did not wish him
127The crowd, still processing the swift fall from grace of one of their own, whispered among themselves. "Did you see that? Mr. Rossi just threw Nathan and the other guy out!""I wonder what Howard did to provoke such a reaction from Mr. Rossi though. It must have been pretty bad.""Well, he was m
128"This humiliation will not stand," fumed Howard as he straightened his suit jacket. "Rossi has made a powerful enemy this night." Lydia placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Do not let your anger overtake you, dear Howard. Revenge is a dish best served cold."Nathan kicked at a stone in fr
129Lydia hurried after Howard as he stormed towards his car, her heels clicking on the pavement. "Howard, wait!"He didn't slow down, his jaw clenched with anger. "What is it, Lydia? Can't you see I have enough to deal with right now?"She caught up to him and placed a hand on his arm, trying to te
Howard sat in silence, his thoughts swirling with defiance and frustration. The dimly lit study seemed to constrict around him, amplifying the weight of his father's ultimatum. Elliot Cooper, usually a figure of reserved authority, now exuded a sternness that brooked no argument."Father," Howard be