Bryan and Tracy stood dressed for the banquet, ready to leave, when Mrs. James blocked their path.
Tracy groaned in frustration. "Mother, can’t you just let us be? What is it this time?"
Mrs. James crossed her arms, her voice dripping with disapproval. "You really plan to bring this poor man to an event hosted by the Crestview Group? A birthday party of that scale, and you want to show up with *him*?"
Tracy let out an exasperated sigh. "Mom, we’ve been through this already. I will deal with Dustin after the party."
"Deal with Dustin?" Mrs. James scoffed. "This isn't just about him! I don't want you to be humiliated. What if the Crestview CEO shows up? How do you think it will look, you standing there with... this?" She cast a disdainful glance at Bryan.
Before Tracy could respond, Dus
