Chapter 9

Before I could intervene, Ryan decided to speak up, inflating his chest as if to confront my father.

Ryan might have believed he appeared self-assured, but compared to my dad, the contrast was stark. My father exuded natural composure, the kind of elegance that stemmed from a privileged upbringing.

In contrast, Ryan resembled a youngster playing pretend.

"Say sorry to Emily," Ryan demanded, gesturing at my dad.

By this point, the disturbance had captured the attention of nearly every guest at the gathering. Attendees murmured quietly among themselves, too apprehensive to step in.

The event organizer—a friend of my dad's—hurried over, visibly anxious.

He clearly wanted to prevent an escalation. While he had no intention of making my father apologize, he also wished to avoid chaos at the event. Attempting to mediate, he courteously introduced my dad and suggested everyone settle down.

However, Ryan completely misinterpreted the host's motives.