Chapter 9

Olivia

The whisperers stopped as the MC spoke for Daddy Richard's party. All attention was on him. Matthew and I were sitting together on the side near the stage.

"Good afternoon to everyone! How are you all?" greeted the MC on the mini-stage.

I heard the guests responding in unison. After a few moments, the prayer began followed by the introduction of the birthday celebrant. Daddy Richard then went up to the mini-stage. He was dressed elegantly, in a tuxedo, and waved to his hundreds of guests with a smile.

Like the MC, he started his speech with greetings and followed by thanking everyone for attending. While chatting with his guests and holding the microphone, I saw him glance at the table where we were seated.

I noticed a brief pause in his gaze. Perhaps he was wondering why we were not seated at my husband's table. I nodded at him, and he smiled back at me before returning his gaze to his guests.

"Oh, by the way, I want to take this opportunity to introduce to you the newest memb