Neville looked down at Marvin.


    "Marvin, do you need Dad to stand up for you this time?"


    Marvin shook his head. "Honestly, Dad, this all started because Ste was deliberately tripped at Keen''s birthday party. If you really want to help, then punish the ones who embarrassed Ste."


    Neville''s voice was calm. "If that''s what you want, then let''s call in everyone responsible for tripping Ste that day. They can apologize to her first. As for punishment... I''ll leave that in your hands."


    A flicker of surprise crossed Haynes'' eyes. "So, are you seeking justice for Marvin, or for Ste?"


    Neville''s lips curled into a faint smile. "Marvin doesn''t need me to fight his battles. He can handle himself. After all, it''s just a bit of social exclusion..."


    His gaze lingered meaningfully on Jasper.


    "If Marvin ever finds it too much, he''ll tell me. The fact that he hasn''t means it''s really not a big deal to him. But honestly, picking on a five-year-old is just pathetic."


    He turned to Haynes. "Mr. O''Brien, if I may—"


    Haynes met his eyes. "Go ahead."


    Neville said evenly, "A man as aplished as you, Mr. O''Brien, yet you surround yourself with friends who do nothing but stir up trouble. Haven''t you heard? Thepany you keep says a lot about your character... Maybe it''s time to reconsider your taste in friends."


    Jasper could hardly miss the sarcasm. His face darkened and he was about to retort, but Rachel caught his arm and shook her head.


    Frustration simmered in Jasper''s chest, but he forced himself to stay quiet.


    Neville noticed the exchange, one eyebrow raised in amusement.


    "What''s the matter, Mr. Wilkinson? Feeling guilty? Want to take responsibility for this yourself?"


    Jasper''s expression froze. He swallowed the words he wanted to say. If Neville really wanted to pin this on him, he''d be in for a world of trouble. Let Neville go after that group of so-called ''friends''—as long as he was left out of it, that was fine by him. After all, what were friends for if not to take the fall? Neville made a few quick phone calls, giving quiet instructions. Suddenly, amotion at the door caught everyone''s attention.


    A heavyset, sweating middle-aged man rushed in, nearly breathless.


    "Mr. Connolly, there you are! I''ve been looking all over for you."


    He spotted Neville right away, forcing a sycophantic smile. "Mr. Connolly, if there''s something wrong, you can just tell me why the sudden withdrawal of your investment?"


    He hadn''t finished before a surprised voice cut through the air.


    "Honey, what are you doing here?"


    He turned to see his wife, momentarily stunned. It was only then that he realized the atmosphere was moreplicated than he''d thought. He also saw Haynes and Jasper in the room-along with his own wife and son.


    Now Mr. Ayers was truly confused. "Mr. O''Brien, Mr. Wilkinson, what are you two doing here?"


    Haynes'' eyes shed with disdain. He hadn''t forgotten that this family had led the charge in ostracizing and bullying his son.


    Noticing the expression on Haynes'' face, Mr. Ayers felt a chill run down his spine.


    The Ayers Group had somehow offended Neville, and now the Connolly Group was pulling out its investment-and making it clear that anyone who continued to do business with the Ayers Group would be considered an enemy.


    If they managed to anger the O''Brien Group on top of that, the Ayers Group was finished.


    Taking in the scene before him, Mr. Ayers felt his heart sink.