The room fell silent momentarily before erupting into a flurry of activity as nearly half the guests stood up, their voices a mix of excitement and respect.

The Richardson brothers, Phillip and Curtis, were the undisputed elite of Stonebridge's high society. Young and exceptionally accomplished, they stood at a pinnacle many could only dream of reaching in a lifetime.

"What a coincidence," Phillip remarked as he approached the group.

His presence was both a surprise and a source of sudden anxiety. The topic of their recent conversation, his ex-fiancée, was not just any woman but one he had almost married. And there they were, discussing her before her current fiancé, Alfred, leaving them feeling unexpectedly guilty.

"Wow, Phillip, fancy seeing you here," someone tried to smooth over the situation, their tone overly pleasant.

Phillip responded casually, his gaze drifting to a buzz-cut man across the table. The man, speculating maliciously about a woman he barely knew, turned beet red under Phillip's piercing stare, managing a strained smile.

Feeling indifferent, Phillip asked, "Haven't seen you before. What's your name?"

Despite his calm tone, the buzz-cut man broke into a sweat, too nervous to reply. Someone else chimed in for him, "His name's Ernest, with the 'Er' from 'Ernest."

unique name. Are you related to

father,"

nodded, turning

Alfred knew who Phillip was. The competitive nature inherent in many men, especially when faced with a predecessor who seemed superior in nearly every way, stirred within Alfred. Not willing to appear lesser, he quickly distanced himself from Tina, despite not loving

extending his hand. "So, you're Mr. Richardson.

hand and responded coldly, "Sorry, I'm kind of a

He offered, "Since we've run into each other, why not join us?" "No, thanks. I have

more than two minutes since Phillip came and left, leaving the previous lively

stopped hugging the influencer, and Ernest's face turned pale. None of them dared to gossip about

shadow of the restaurant's glowing lights. On the phone with his

he instructed, "Find a reason to call in

uncharacteristic of

never let personal

professional

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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