Chapter 0131

131

Howard'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