Everyone in the ballroom immediately bowed in respect. Martha and the Thorne family were awestruck, feeling lucky to see the legend in person. Jasper quickly released Ethan's collar, tried to fix his disheveled clothes, and put on his most perfect, sycophantic smile. "Lord Xander! My apologies for the chaos; I was just removing a nuisance who was ruining your event," Jasper said, stepping forward with his hand extended for a handshake. However, Xander didn't even look at him. As if Jasper were nothing but thin air, Xander walked right past him. His commanding stride stopped exactly three steps in front of Ethan, whose clothes were drenched in red wine. The room grew so silent that every breath could be heard. Martha swallowed hard, terrified that Ethan would be hauled off to a torture room
