chapter 68

Robert stood at the center of it all, his chest swelling with pride as he surveyed the guests mingling around him. The grand chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room, illuminating the ornate decorations that adorned the walls and ceilings. It was a scene of elegance and sophistication, a reflection of the wealth and status that Robert had worked so hard to attain.

But as he basked in the admiration of his guests, a sense of unease began to gnaw at him. His daughter, Christine, had always been the epitome of grace and charm, a shining example of the refinement and poise that he prided himself on. But tonight, something was amiss. Christine's behavior had been uncharacteristically brash and impulsive, drawing disapproving glances from the other guests.

Robert's brow furrowed in concern as he watched Christine laugh loudly at a joke that was in poor taste, her voice carrying across the room in a way that made him cringe. He could see the raised eyebrows and whispered comments of the ot