49 A Game of Reputations

Nathan's anger simmered like a storm as he paced the opulent halls of the charity gala. The very thought of apologizing to Emma in this grand setting, amidst the city's elite, churned his stomach. His mind whirled with indignation – how had Emma, whom he deemed barely more than a docile housekeeper during her marriage to Alex, ascended to this level of prominence? "I just don't see it," he muttered to himself, watching Emma from across the room, her poise and grace catching everyone's attention. "What's so special about her?" His father, sensing the brewing tempest in Nathan, whispered a stern warning, "Keep your temper in check. We're in the Smirnoff's den." But Nathan was past caring. His pride, wounded and raw, propelled him forward. As he approached Emma and Wayne, his steps heavy with resentment, the air bristled with tension. Wayne, ever observant, noticed the hostility in Nathan's stride. "Emma," he said softly, "it's your call. How you want to handle him." Emma's