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
136Finally, the moment arrived. The car carrying Mrs. Kinsey pulled up to the grand estate. She stepped out cautiously, her expression a mix of curiosity and unease, greeted warmly by Darius himself at the entrance."Mrs. Kinsey, thank you for coming," Darius greeted her with a warm smile, though h
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.
138Across the room, Rana Werner maneuvered to intercept Mr. Sanchez, feigning admiration while subtly probing for vulnerabilities. "Mr. Sanchez, such a grand gesture for young Darius," she began innocently. "Tell me, how well do you truly know him?"Mr. Sanchez, ever the astute diplomat, smiled war