353: NEW PATH FORWARD

ARIEL'S POV "Larry, wait!" His mother's voice cut through the tense atmosphere, her tone pleading as she stepped forward, reaching out to her husband. "Harold, please, you can't do this. He's our son." Mr. Kingston's expression remained stoic, unmoved by his wife's plea. "He's made his choice, Martha."He's chosen to defy me and undermine everything we've worked for." "But disowning him? Is that really necessary?" Mrs. Kingston implored. "He's just young and idealistic. He doesn't understand the consequences of his actions." "He needs to learn, Martha," Mr. Kingston replied sternly. "He needs to understand that there are repercussions for going against the family." "But he's your son," she insisted, desperation creeping into her voice. "You can't just cast him aside like this."We'll lose him forever." Mr. Kingston sighed heavily, his features softening ever so slightly at the sight of his wife's distress. "Martha, you know how important it is for us to maintain control. We can't a