Chapter 20: Party

Knoxville stepped out of the sleek, black luxury car, his tailored tuxedo accentuating his chiseled physique. He cleared his throat, adjusting his cufflinks with a confident flourish. His personal assistant, Henry, smiled warmly.

"You're looking handsome already, sir," Henry said.

As they walked into the grand hall, Knoxville's presence commanded attention. The room fell silent, with all eyes drawn to his refined appearance. The ladies couldn't help but admire his charismatic charm.

"They're all staring at you, sir," Henry whispered, his voice laced with amusement.

Knoxville chuckled, his eyes sparkling.

"Let them continue staring," he said. "That's what the Richardos do, and what my father expects. I need to regain his trust."

His lips curled into a determined smile.

"I am happy you're ready to do what it takes to make your father proud," Henry said.

Knoxville's gaze turned resolute.

"I'll do whatever it takes to get what's mine"

As they walked deeper into the hall, the owner of the party, Mr. Gideon, quickly approached them, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Ah, Mr. Richardo, welcome!" Mr. Gideon exclaimed, extending a manicured hand.

Knoxville smiled, shaking Mr. Gideon's hand firmly.

"Please, call me Knoxville. My dad couldn't make it, so I came on his behalf," he explained.

Mr. Gideon's eyes widened in surprise.

"An honor, truly. I wasn't expecting your dad, nor you, to show up. The invite came late, and I thought..."

Knoxville's smile put Mr. Gideon at ease.

"Well, you know my dad cherishes the relationship you both share, so he would want to be here," Knoxville said.

Mr. Gideon nodded, his expression sincere.

"Of course, your family's presence means a great deal to me. Please, follow me."

He led them through a doorway, into an even more opulent section of the hall.

"Welcome to the grand hall, reserved for our most esteemed guests," Mr. Gideon announced, gesturing to the lavish decorations.

The room buzzed with influential people, all turning to gaze at Knoxville. Henry discreetly positioned himself at the edge of the room, ever vigilant.

Knoxville's confident stride and charming smile commanded attention, as he exchanged pleasantries with Mr. Gideon.

"What can I get you to drink, Knoxville?" Mr. Gideon asked.

"A glass of scotch, please," Knoxville replied.

As Mr. Gideon signaled a waiter, Knoxville's eyes scanned the room, taking in the who's who of society.

Knoxville's gaze swept the room, his confident smile unwavering, until his ears picked up the whispered insults.

"Such an arrogant man, so he couldn't show up and sent his son here," a voice murmured.

Knoxville's eyes narrowed, but he pretended not to hear, his expression unchanged.

However, another voice added fuel to the fire.

"Is it today you all know Richardo is so full of himself?"

Knoxville's composure snapped. He scoffed, his eyes flashing with annoyance, as he leaned closer to the source of the comments.

"Truly, I didn't want to talk before, but it seems you all wanted me to," Knoxville said, his voice low and even, but laced with warning.

He slammed his hand on the table, the sound echoing through the room, silencing the murmurs.

The guests' eyes widened, their faces turned toward Knoxville, as an uncomfortable silence fell.

Henry, sensing tension, subtly shifted closer to Knoxville's side.

Mr. Gideon's face turned beet red as he rushed to intervene.

"Please, gentlemen, let's keep the evening civil," Mr. Gideon urged, his voice strained.

Knoxville's gaze locked onto the unknown critic, his eyes blazing.

"I'd advise you to choose your words wisely," Knoxville warned, his tone dripping with authority.

The room held its breath, awaiting the next move.

"We won't tolerate such disrespect from a small boy like him," Mr. Watson snapped, his face reddening.

Knoxville scoffed, clapping his hands together in amusement.

"Ah, the bravery of unknown critics," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

He turned to Henry, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Which one is Mr. Watson, and which one is Smith?" Knoxville asked, feigning ignorance.

Henry's expression remained neutral. "He's Mr. Watson," he said, nodding toward the man who had just spoken.

Knoxville's gaze locked onto Mr. Watson, his tone mocking.

"Okay, so that's Mr. Watson. And which one is the illustrious Mr. Smith?" he asked, his voice laced with disdain.

Mr. Smith shifted uncomfortably, clearing his throat.

"I'm... uh... Smith," he stammered.

Knoxville's smile widened.

"Delighted to make your acquaintance, gentlemen. Though I must say, your hospitality leaves much to be desired."

The room's tension intensified as Knoxville's words hung in the air.

Mr. Watson's face darkened.

"How dare you—"

Knoxville cut him off.

"I dare because my family's legacy and reputation won't be tarnished by petty insults from unknown individuals."

Henry subtly positioned himself between Knoxville and the escalating confrontation.

Knoxville's voice rose above the tension, his words dripping with authority.

"Gentlemen, let's not forget ourselves. We're not here for business; Mr. Gideon invited us to celebrate with him. So, let's be civil and pretend we don't know each other. We can continue our rivalry in the boardroom."

His gaze swept the room, meeting the angry stares of Mr. Watson and Mr. Smith.

"I didn't mean to be disrespectful, but I expect respect for my father. You're all his age, and he's earned it. He's come a long way to get where he is today. Don't let jealousy ruin someone else's party."

Knoxville stood, his tall frame commanding attention. His eyes locked onto Mr. Gideon, who looked relieved.

"Mr. Gideon, I think it's best if I relocate to the other hall. The animosity in here is palpable. I'll be available for whatever you have planned."

With a nod, Knoxville turned to leave, his confident stride eating up the distance. Henry followed closely, his expression neutral.

As they exited, the room exhaled a collective sigh. Mr. Watson and Mr. Smith exchanged irritated glances, their faces reddening.

Mr. Gideon hastened to Knoxville's side.

"Knoxville, my apologies for the unpleasantness. Please, join me in the other hall. We'll ensure the rest of the evening is enjoyable."

Knoxville smiled graciously. "Thank you, Mr. Gideon. I appreciate your

understanding."

As they walked away, Henry leaned in."Well handled, sir."

Knoxville's eyes gleamed. "Sometimes, it's better to rise above."