บททั้งหมดของ Married To His CEO Brother: บทที่ 71 - บทที่ 80

Audrey’s povTalking to this woman about my own husband was hurting me and I really wished there was a way I could smack her over the head.I took in deep breaths before nodding and then looking away from her.“You know, for someone who is educated, and well traveled, I expected you to have some semblance of shame.”She sighed, her gaze shifting as if she were bored of the conversation. “You’re so naive, Audrey. You think just because you’re with him now that the past doesn’t matter? That people like me just… disappear? Trust me, I’m not going anywhere.”My patience was wearing thin. “Well, I’m here now, Lola. And I’m not going anywhere, either.”Lola smirked, a hint of something almost like respect in her eyes. “We’ll see about that.” She stood, brushing invisible lint from her dress as she looked me up and down, a final, evaluating gaze. “I suppose Xander will make his choice, one way or another.”“He already did,” I said, raising my left hand to show her the diamond ring on it.She

Audrey’s povXander’s grip on my shoulders tightened slightly, his gaze steady as he spoke. “I get it, Audrey. Believe me, I do. But you have to remember why you’re doing this. You’re not here for her approval, or to play nice with her. You’re here to make sure your father knows you’re by his side, no matter what. You’re here to show him that, despite everything she’s done, you’re still the daughter he can count on.”I looked down, feeling a lump form in my throat as his words sank in. “But it’s so unfair, Xander. I feel like I’m losing my father to her, and he’s letting it happen. It’s like… like I don’t even know him anymore.”Xander reached up, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear as he spoke. “Maybe he’s just… trying to keep the peace, Audrey. He’s in a tough spot too, and Stephanie’s obviously been manipulating him. But he still loves you; that much I’m sure of. And he’s counting on you, whether he realizes it or not.”I swallowed, nodding slowly as I took a shaky breath. “I k

Audrey’s pov“You’re right about one thing,” I shot back. “My father is too soft. He trusted the wrong person. But I won’t make that mistake.”Stephanie tilted her head, watching me with a kind of chilling satisfaction, as if my anger only confirmed everything she already knew. “Then I guess we’ll see who’s more committed, won’t we?” She crossed her arms, a steely glint in her eyes. “Because I’m not going anywhere, Audrey. Not for you, not for anyone. This is my life, and I will do whatever it takes to keep it.”I glared at Stephanie, the anger simmering beneath my calm facade. I was done with her games, her schemes, and her smug, unbothered attitude. Taking a deep breath, I crossed my arms and faced her head-on. “I know what you tried to do to Xander.”Stephanie arched an eyebrow, her lips curving up in a mocking smile as if this was all one big joke to her. “Oh really?” she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “And what exactly do you think I tried to do?”I scoffed, refusing to

Stephanie’s povI raised an eyebrow, folding my arms.This whole idea of going to be friends with Xander was something I had not seen coming but I took in deep breaths.“I hope you’re getting me,” the doctor said as I sighed.“When you say make him my friend, what do you mean?”I found this funny but I just wanted to hear what he would say.“How about you just be his friend and not be in the red zone with Xander. That way, you can actually get what you want from him. Just make him think you’re not the enemy. That is sure to work if violence isn’t working.”“Make him think I’m not his enemy? He’d never buy it.”“People like him always have weaknesses, Stephanie. You just have to be clever enough to find them. Let him think you’re finished with your schemes and that you’ve turned your focus elsewhere. Give him something he wants. Trust.”“Trust…” I repeated, letting the idea settle in. Xander and I hadn’t had anything close to trust. But I knew he wanted to protect Audrey. And if I coul

Audrey’s povAs I entered the dimly lit study with Eric, my client, I could already sense the tension in his stance. He was slouched in his chair, looking wearier than I’d ever seen him, frustration etched into every line on his face. I waited a moment, expecting him to get right to the point as he usually did, and sure enough, his voice filled the silence, low and strained.“Crawford,” he began, a hint of irritation lacing his words. “I just can’t understand why Audrey is being so stubborn. All I ask is that she cooperate a little with Amelia… and Stephanie. Is that really too much?”I looked at him carefully, choosing my words with caution. “Eric, maybe… maybe you need to hear Audrey out. She might have a point, or at least her own reasons for resisting this whole arrangement.”He turned to me, eyebrows raised, his expression a mix of surprise and disapproval. “Not you too, Crawford. I thought you were on my side.”I chuckled softly, leaning back a little in my chair. “Oh, I’m here