184Dorian's eyes were swimming with unshed tears.The crowd remained silent, their eyes wide as they absorbed the unfolding drama. Dorian, cradling his face, stood humiliated, his understanding of the severity of his actions settling in.Darius, observing the scene with an unflinching calm, finally
185Murmurs and whispers fluttered through the crowd like leaves in a storm. "Is he really going to refuse?" one voice whispered, tinged with shock."He's done for," another muttered, the words carrying a weight of certainty.The crowd buzzed with renewed intensity, their voices creating a layered s
186"I hate you all! You’ve ruined everything!" Dorian yelled, his voice raw and frenzied. His anger was a tangible force, radiating off him in waves. The guards tightened their grip, but Dorian continued to struggle, his body quaking with the effort to break free."Let me go! I'll show you all!" Do
187“Everyone, please return to your duties,” Jenna said, her voice calm yet commanding. “I’m sure you all have much to ponder after what transpired here today. Mr. West and I have some matters to discuss. Carry on with your work, and let this be a lesson in avoiding hasty judgments.”The crowd disp
188Two days later, Darius found himself browsing the antique store downtown. He had always had a keen eye for craftsmanship and unique designs since the orphanage.As he perused the shelves, one item caught his attention—a vintage porcelain figurine with elaborate hand-painted details. Darius picke
189The man scoffed and rolled his eyes, calling Darius’s bluff, “That’s a blatant lie if I ever heard one,” the store owner eyed him and sneered.“I’ve been an antique collector and expert for a good number of years, probably even while you were still in diapers!” he taunted him.The subtle jab was
190The store owner had had enough of Darius’s interfering and couldn't hide his displeasure. He huffed loudly once again for the umpteenth time. He wasn’t going to admit defeat or give Clara Brooks any hint that the meddlesome man had been right and that he was pawning off the figurine to the ignor
191“I understand your disappointment, but ultimately, I just saved you from presenting a worthless item as unique and special. Imagine what could have happened.”Clara shuddered at the thought, unable to face the humiliation if it had occurred. Her cousins would have had a field day mocking her, an