The banquet hall buzzed with laughter and light conversation once more, as if the earlier commotion outside had never occurred.
The guests had seamlessly resumed their polished facades before Jonathan, Margaret, and their entourage even stepped through the doors.
Maintaining the illusion of harmony was second nature in elite social circles.
Jonathan, Margaret and Tyler exchanged subtle glances, their shoulders relaxing almost imperceptibly.
"Margaret, why don't you mingle with the ladies over there?"
Jonathan plucked a glass of champagne from a passing waiter's tray, his gaze scanning the crowd with practiced ease.
"I'll take Tyler to meet some of the family elders."
Expanding Tyler's network was, after all, the primary objective of the evening. "
Of course," Margaret replied, her earlier distress now buried beneath her signature gentle demeanor.
She turned to her son, her voice soft but firm.
"Tyler, this is a rare opportunity.
