_Chapter 28: Family Ties_
The dinner party had started off cordially enough, but it wasn't long before the tensions between the two families began to simmer just below the surface.
James and Catherine, Chase's parents, made snide comments about Maya's family's business dealings, implying that they were somehow less than reputable.
Nalini and Rohan, Maya's parents, took umbrage at the slight, their pride and resentment boiling over. "How dare you!" Nalini exclaimed. "Our business is legitimate, unlike some people's shady dealings!"
Catherine sneered. "At least our wealth isn't built on the backs of others' suffering."
Rohan's face turned red with rage. "You know nothing about us! We've worked hard for everything we have!"
The argument escalated, with both sides hurling insults and accusations. Maya and Chase tried to intervene, but their words were drowned out by the shouting match.
Just when it seemed like things couldn't get any worse, James dropped a bombshell. "We know all about your family's secrets, Maya. The truth will come out, and when it does, you'll be the one who suffers."
Maya's heart raced as she wondered what secrets James was talking about. What did he know? And how far would he go to hurt her and her family?
The dinner party ended in chaos, with both families at each other's throats. Maya and Chase were left standing alone, their love and loyalty tested by the bitter feud between their families...