He looked directly across the massive room, his eyes locking onto my table in the dark corner with a calculated, warning glare.

“Some children appreciate the sacrifices we make, while others force us to make difficult decisions for their own good.”

A low murmur rippled through the guests who knew the family dynamics, all of them assuming he was publicly shaming my financial struggles.

But I simply took a slow sip of my champagne, completely unbothered by his desperate attempt to regain control of the narrative.

I knew his bank accounts were slowly draining, mostly because I had accidentally seen a massive collection notice on his desk three months ago.

He was using Olivia’s marriage to Julian as a financial lifeboat, hoping the groom’s wealthy family would save his failing construction business.

When Julian stood up to give his speech, the groom slurred his words slightly, clearly having consumed too much whiskey before the ceremony.

“Olivia is great, she really is,” Julian mumbled, swaying slightly and gripping the edge of the table to steady himself.

“And to my new father-in-law, thanks for the... the strategic partnership.”

Julian’s mother gasped audibly from the front row, covering her mouth as the groom completely shattered the romantic illusion of the wedding.

Olivia grabbed the microphone out of his hand with a terrifying, forced smile, attempting to laugh off his disastrous comment as a bad joke.

I sat in the back of the room, watching the pedestal my family had built for themselves slowly begin to crack and crumble.

They had traded their dignity for a wealth they didn't even possess, and the entire house of cards was about to collapse.

Chapter 4 - The Bathroom Confrontation

After the disastrous speeches, the lights dimmed, the live band started playing, and the older guests flooded the dance floor.