บททั้งหมดของ The Heiress and the Four Brothers: บทที่ 91 - บทที่ 100

ACEI didn’t ask where she was driving. I figured today I could loosen the reins a bit.After everything that happened earlier, I knew I had to reel myself in before I lost all control. But there was a part of me that didn't want to let go just yet.And when she said she wanted to take me on a date, I didn’t say no.I don’t get asked out often. Usually, I’m the one planning the whole damn thing.After brunch and a few blocks of aimless driving, Sera glanced at me from behind the wheel, one brow raised. “So,” she said casually, “aside from this morning’s drama and the flower-bomb from your mother that you treated like an active grenade—what do you actually want today?”I leaned my head against the window, watching the city blur past. “Hm?”“It’s your birthday. I want to get you something.”I looked at her. “You know I don’t need anything, right?”“It’s not about need,” she replied, throwing me a quick look before turning back to the road. “I just want to. And for once, I want you to sa

ACE (9 Years Old)At my age, reading law books was considered “normal.” That’s what Mama said. But this evening, I didn’t want to read about jurisprudence or European court systems. I wanted to read about the other Atticus. The one who wasn’t me.My little fingers flipped the pages slowly, almost silently. I was reading the part about Scout and Jem walking home in the dark. I liked how the writing made the world feel slower, like it had its own heartbeat. Not like this house, which always sounded like a giant clock ticking way too fast.Then I heard high heels clicking. I knew those steps. I slammed the book shut and slipped it under the cushion of the chair. I straightened up and swapped it on the table for The Federalist Papers. My heart was pounding so loud, like I’d been caught stealing time.The door opened. “Ace? What are you reading?”Mama stood in the doorway, tall and lean, dressed in a formal gray suit even though it was already evening. Her blonde hair was neatly done, an

SERAThe moment we stepped through the grand glass doors of the ballroom, the world inside greeted us with golden light and soft orchestra music. Crystal chandeliers hung high from the arched ceiling, scattering warm reflections across silk gowns and tailored tuxedos that moved gracefully through the room. The air was a blend of expensive wine, fresh peonies, and perfectly curated luxury.I felt heads turn in our direction. Camera flashes began to click, one by one finally catching the elusive Ace Vance, the oldest Blackwood son who’d always existed as little more than a whisper. But tonight, he wasn’t just a rumor. He was the spotlight.Ace barely reacted. His shoulders stayed firm, his jaw was set, and his smile flickered for maybe half a second, just enough to make people wonder if it was a smile or a warning.Gia reached us fast. Her dress was pretty, but still practical enough for someone always five seconds away from running a crisis. “Mr. Ace needs to join the others,” she sai

ACEThe camera flashes were still going off in the distance. Applause, clinking glasses, fake smiles. But Sera and I walked out of that ballroom like we were stealing ourselves away from the world.She walked beside me in that red dress. A red that wasn’t just a color, but a surrender in fabric form.The family car that brought us was still parked where it should be, with Turner standing by the rear door. I barely glanced in that direction before turning right.My car was waiting in a more discreet spot. A black coupe, sleek and polished like a shard of obsidian under the garden lights.The key in my pocket gave a signal. The lights blinked calmly, soundless.Sera didn’t say anything when I opened the door for her. She just looked at me for a second and got in.I slipped into the driver’s seat. Low classical music drifted from the speakers. The engine purred to life, pulling us out of the lot and into the cold, open night.We didn’t talk. My one hand on the wheel, the other resting on

SERAThe hallway in that old house was silent, only the ticking of a clock echoed with Ace’s footsteps. And somehow, it felt sacred. Like we were walking through history, rewriting something that had already been written.I leaned against his chest, still naked. He didn’t put his jacket on me after all. And I knew, behind those security cameras, someone—anyone—might be watching. But strangely, I wasn’t scared or ashamed.I felt seen. And I wanted to be seen as his.A door opened then closed behind us. The scent of old wood and cleaning solution lingered in the air, softly mixed with the warmth of his skin.He laid me down on the bed and crouched to take off my shoes. His smile was impossibly gentle—almost not his own—when he looked at me and unhooked the chain from my thigh. “You good?”I nodded, even though my chest was starting to tremble again.He kissed my thigh softly before standing up. His shirt came undone slowly, one button at a time. He wasn’t moving like someone in a hurry t