Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 174: Chapter 174

ASHTON

"You actually won that race, you know? I don’t understand why you want to believe you lost. I’m not even a good racer myself. I took advantage of your distraction the first time but the second time, you were locked in. I don’t know what you had going on in your head but you managed to cross that finish line before I could. That’s the honest truth and if you bother to watch the replay, you’d see it too. No foul play, just a fair game."

I take a long sip of my champagne and wish I was anywhere else. In a different life and under different circumstances, being in Monaco’s presence would have been a true delight. She’s draped in a spiral dress, a nod to the iconic Parisian couture. With its thigh-high leg slit, elegant long skirt and cut-out spiral bodice that shows off her toned torso, it’s the perfect mix of futuristic and elegant with a hint of sexy.

But I am just in a bad mood generally. Between the tension of wondering what the night holds and anxiety for my loved ones, I can only keep my drink down and nothing else. I’ve tried to avoid unnecessary media attention, disallowing interviews from reporters begging to talk to me and all. The only reason I am still listening to Monaco yap is because I don’t want any reporters in my face.

My eyes stray to the far end of the gate. Why isn’t she here yet? Is this another one of her games? What has she got planned? Why am I even bothered? I take another long sip and frown on realizing my glass is empty. Before I can request for another, Monaco pulls a champagne flute off a tray being carried by one of the wait staff and offers it to me.

"Thank you." I mutter before downing it in one gulp.

"Whoa, easy."

"Don’t tell him what to do." Mila says, sidling up to us in a killer red dress that accentuates her curves. She places a gentle hand on my shoulder and beams at Monaco. "See those charming eyes, don’t let them fool you. A storm’s brewing behind them."

"Why don’t you ladies catch up. Don’t let me interrupt you." But Mila hangs onto me when I try to leave. "I’m trying to be nice, Spellman." I hum under my breath. "Don’t push it."

"Save the growl for your date." She replies, unfazed by my anger. Then she hooks an arm around Monaco’s shoulder and steers her away. "He’s a lost cause. Trust me, you’re better off redirecting your energy towards one of the many fine gentlemen in here that doesn’t have the Rollins’ last name. Have you met my brother, Liam?"

As I watch her play the wingman for her brother, I don’t know if I should feel slighted by her comments or grateful to be rid of Monaco. Speaking of which, Monaco continues to steal surreptitious glances at me while she’s introduced to Liam. Liam locks eyes with me, not for the first time since his family arrived my party, and nods.

He’s barely said a word to any of us, just calmly sticks by his father’s side. I wonder why he’s not pulling punches over Ashal’s escape or at the very least, throwing shades. Has he got ulterior motives for attending this event? A ball of unease unfurls in my belly once more. Everywhere I look, I sense foes and not friends. Everyone at this party secretly nurses an ill-intent towards my family. They’re not here to make merry with us; they’re here to have front row seats to our ruination.

Even the wait staff hovering around with drinks and treats seem to be nursing a secret grudge against my family. My vision blurs occasionally as my eyes dart across the room. How the fuck did I think gathering our enemies under one roof was a good idea? What if they’re all working together to ensure my family and I are totally screwed before midnight?

Hugh Spellman laughs loudly as he converses with a prime minister. He hasn’t even greeted father like he used to the second he enters our palatial mansion. Right now, he’s the top dog in our industry given the setback being faced by Rollins Group. Everyone of importance is jostling for his attention like they used to do to father.

And father? He’s pretending not to be bothered by the blatant show of disregard. He’s cruising with mother from one VVIP guest to another, trying to make small talk.

My fingers tighten around the stem of my glass. Will this night truly go well? Why does my heart rate say otherwise?

over my shoulder quells

of you." He

starting to rethink all this. Maybe this party was

cuts me off with both hands on my shoulders. "Take

to need a

Keep it together, Ashton.

do too well when I am

be over. They want

confused. "I thought we weren’t doing

don’t care about Demi. Can you stop bringing her up?" I rake a hand through my curls and steady my breath. "I don’t know what Asher intends to do but let him know that it’s time. I need these people out of our house soon enough.

jammed in his pocket as he converses with a few politicians. I text him about my concerns. After excusing himself to check his

bros. Can we pack it up?" He eyes

long is this going to go on for?"

off barely two hours ago, Ashton.

closes a hand over my stomach to stop me from losing my cool. "I guess he’ trying to find out what the big plan is for tonight. What do you plan to do for the big reveal?

here to admire the decorations or eat anything they haven’t had before." I turn to Asher. "You know

accusations because Liam will do the talking tonight. A little birdie helped me uncover most of the dirtiest secrets of everyone judging us

not exaggerating." Ashley appears, smiling. "The information is confirmed. We’re not saints but neither are they. Liam will be rebutting the false claims he made on his blog about us tonight. He will also tender a public apology. As for the others who have a serious bone to pick with our

amazed that I am

your plan all

accord. Nothing was forced on them. No threats. I extended an olive branch and some took it. Those who showed up tonight clearly accepted our offer of peace. After tonight, we’ll have a sit-down with them to forge

those who don’t

that they’re open to forgiveness. We’ll do our part, apologize for our wrongs and do what it takes to

get Liam to agree

the proof he needs to make tons of mind-blowing articles on Billion-Err for months to come but he still didn’t post any of it till date. His so-called blog values

I could have come up with, honestly." I expel a sigh of relief. "I actually feel less tensed right now.

only just confirmed last minute. Plus, I wanted it to be a surprise for you too. I know how much you blame yourself for everything that

sound of the microphone gets our attention. Father has taken to