Eric let out a wicked chuckle, his eyes filled with mockery. "If you haven't done anything shameful, why are you afraid someone might cause trouble?"
"You…" James was livid, but before he could lash out, Grace quickly grabbed his arm. "Let it go. It's a big day, don't waste your energy on him."
James huffed angrily. "Ungrateful child, you've never been a source of peace!"
Eric's smile grew even more defiant. "Didn't you say I'm not your son? How can I be ungrateful if I'm not even yours?"
James was about to explode with fury, but Grace held him back again, whispering, "The guests are here."
Reluctantly, James turned away from Eric and, with a forced smile, joined Grace in greeting their arriving guests.
