The businessman's words hit the ballroom like a thunderclap. Every face turns toward me, then back to the growing crowd of suited figures filling the entrance.
Adrian Pierce's confident smile freezes on his face. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"We're here for Noah Lancaster," the businessman repeats, his voice carrying clearly across the silent ballroom. "Is he here?"
Before Adrian can respond, Ethan Pierce steps forward with his characteristic arrogance intact. His face is flushed red from the humiliation of having his wedding overshadowed by my birthday celebration, and now these uninvited guests want to see his wife's ex-husband instead of congratulating him.
"Now listen here," Ethan snaps, jabbing his finger at the lead businessman. "This is my wedding. If you want to crash someone's private event, you better show some respect to the host."
The businessman looks at Ethan like he's examining an interesting insect. "And you are?"
