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
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