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
132Howard immediately retreated to his study, lost in thought. He picked up his phone and scrolled to Nathan's contact. After several rings, his call connected."Nathan, it's Howard. We have a situation that requires our immediate attention."There was a rustling sound on the other end of the line.
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
134The news of the upcoming celebration for Darius and his charitable efforts spread quickly through the town. Invitations were sent out, and preparations began in earnest for what promised to be a grand event.As Darius oversaw the final details for the orphanage refurbishment project, he couldn't
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