Chapter 21.2: Charity Ball

After a few more moments of catching up, Stephen and I decided to take our seats. I rarely get to spend time with Mom, so I was glad he granted my request.

“Are you surprised?” he whispered to me as we sat down.

I turned to him with a smile. “I really am. Thank you.”

We started chatting with Mads while sipping wine from our glasses. Occasionally, Liam would join in. But most of the time, Dad and Stephen were engrossed in business talk.

We were laughing when my attention was drawn to the other table. Ashter had a scowl on his face, seemingly annoyed by his brother Rhyz’s teasing. Ryza and Riley were both engrossed in their phones, probably playing a mobile game. Meanwhile, Amelia was busy patting Ace’s back; he already seemed quite intoxicated. Amelia seemed to be advising him to stop, but he continued drinking anyway.

My forehead furrowed as I noticed that Oliver and Shantel were no longer around. I quickly scanned the area and saw them talking to each other not too far away. It seeme