Chapter 124 - Empty Halls

A handful of guests, however, were calculating their next moves carefully. These social climbers saw an opportunity to curry favor with the Crystal and Mack, abandoning their previous allegiances without a second thought.

The Murray family's financial troubles had become common knowledge in their circles. Meanwhile, the Crystal and Mack basked in Cullen's powerful protection, making the political landscape crystal clear to anyone with half a brain.

Michael mumbled his apologies to Phillip before making his hasty exit. Mary and Poppy remained blissfully unaware of the growing exodus at first, too focused on greeting the remaining arrivals.

But as the evening progressed and more guests filtered out just as quickly as they had arrived, the approaching dinner hour revealed a harsh reality. The once-crowded banquet hall now echoed with emptiness, rows of vacant chairs serving as silent testimony to their social isolation.