Zoe watched Wesley closely and said earnestly, "Mr. Carter, all the other students have brought their parents. Do you really want Avery to be the only one here without hers?"
Her words made Wesley clench his teeth. "Alright then. Zoe, please lead the way."
Zoe guided Wesley and his family into the hall, across the red carpet, and over to the main table near the stage. Then, she addressed the people already seated:
"Attention please! Allow me to introduce you. This is Avery's father, mother, brother, and sister."
The people at the main table were all influential figures. They had never encountered someone as unremarkable as Wesley. They cast a brief, indifferent glance at the Carter family, nodded slightly, and then turned away to resume their conversations.
The Carter family felt the disdain in the air. They didn't greet anyone, instead scanning the room, trying to spot Avery.
