After our meeting, I watched from the corner of the room as Miles disappeared into the throng, probably searching for his new fiancée. It was no secret he wasn't ready for marriage, though he wasn't rejecting the idea outright either. Trevor's eyes were glued to his date, tracking her every move as though she might land in serious trouble if she left his sight. Ryan was downing drinks like a thirsty sponge.

Spencer, however, stayed by my side, staring blankly at the partying crowd of rich guests. He looked angry, visibly contemplating confiding in me.

"Is this about Miles?" I asked, curious if he was upset about our earlier conversation.

"What? No," he said, snapping out of his daze. He shook his head before facing me. "I'm going to Vespera. Need to handle some business." He took a glass of champagne from a waiter's tray and sipped the fizzing liquid.

"Spencer," I said sternly, "you've avoided that place for years. We all have—ever since Brandon."

Spencer's jaw tightened at the mention of Brandon. His eyes flickered with a mix of pain and determination. "I know," he muttered, looking away from me and back at the crowd. "But it's time. There's something I need to take care of. Something I should have dealt with a long time ago."

I was furious with Spencer because the city he wanted to venture into was no longer under our control. Betrayed by one of our own, we had suffered greatly—Spencer's dad had been grievously wounded in a brutal gang war. What was once our cherished vacation spot had now become a no-go zone, avoided like the plague.

"I will empty a magazine into your head if you do that," I growled, my voice low and dangerous.

Spencer didn't flinch. "You don't get it. I can't keep retreating into the shadows."

While he continued to talk, my eyes wandered, catching sight of Thea. She stood across the room, looking breathtaking in a rose gold gown. The fabric clung to her curves, the shimmer of the material catching the light just right. Her hair was styled in loose waves that framed her face, and her eyes, a striking shade of brown, sparkled with mischief and intelligence. It scared me how distracted she made me.

It was one of the reasons why I'd chosen to stay alone- to focus on the clan and protect my own. Distractions would cost me greatly, I'd learnt that working in the business over the years. If I continued to pursue her, she would be a liability. My weakness. A weapon and means of blackmail against me.

But I couldn't help myself.

I returned my focus to Spencer. "This is a crucial time, and Devin has already disappeared. I hope you know what you're doing."

Spencer and I ended the conversation with a tense silence, the weight of our choices hanging heavily between us. I turned on my heel and made my way out of the ballroom to get dressed for the party, my mind racing with the implications of our plans and the danger that lay ahead.

The navy blue suit spread across my bed was a showstopper, radiating elegance. As I carefully retrieved the gold cufflinks my father had gifted me, I felt a rush of anticipation. After checking my reflection one last time, I made my way downstairs, excitement bubbling within me. Tonight, I was ready to announce my parents as they descended the staircase, a celebration of their love and enduring partnership.

"Ladies and gentlemen. I present to you Daniel and Skye Maxwell!"

A symphony of cheers and applause cascaded through the ballroom, enveloping the space in an air of celebration. My parents made their entrance, elegantly hand in hand. My father, with a mischievous glint in his eye, playfully teased my mother, sparking a ripple of laughter that echoed among the elegantly dressed guests. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above, casting a soft glow on the lavish décor, while the clinking of fine glassware blended with the melodic hum of conversation.

I saw my mother smiling widely as her friends were in praise for her dress. She pointed behind me and smile crept onto my face.

Thea.

She would be angry and I would pacify her, give her my sincerest apology for not showing up and breaking my promise. She wouldn't be convinced but I would be persistent, determined to win her over again.

I turned around and found her standing just a few feet away, her presence both startling and captivating. Any lingering doubt about her vanished the moment I saw her up close; she was the one and would do anything to keep her safe.

Earlier, I had caught a glimpse of her from a distance, but now, up close, her beauty seemed to intensify, radiating a warmth that drew me in. The way the light danced across her features revealed a depth I hadn't noticed before, and I felt an unexpected rush of curiosity and admiration. She started walking towards me, and I braced myself.

My jaw dropped as she walked right past me, completely oblivious to my presence. Just before she moved on, her sharp, pointy heel landed squarely on my foot, jolting me back to reality. The sudden sting was overshadowed by the thrill of her proximity, a mix of surprise and undeniable intrigue.

She joined my mother and her group of middle-aged women, a bright smile lighting up her face as she absorbed every compliment thrown her way. But beneath that cheerful facade, her eyes shot daggers at me, a silent warning. My smirk grew as she continued to glare my way.

"I think you're creeping her out, brother," Miles' annoying voice grated on my ears as he draped a heavy arm around my shoulders.

"And you're creeping me out," I said, swatting it away in disgust and rolling my eyes. This man. "For the record, I'm not creeping her out. She's smiling back," I clarified, trying to defend myself.

"Well, if you look at it upside down, then yeah," he replied, angling his head as if that would validate his theory.

"You're annoying."

"You're a second grader."

I shot him a glare, my frustration bubbling. "Seriously? This isn't a playground, Miles."

He laughed, completely unfazed. "Maybe not, but you're acting like it."

"Gentlemen." Trevor threw his arms around both Miles and me from behind, his presence electrifying the air as he interrupted our banter. "It's time."

Miles wiggled his eyebrows at me, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "It's time for big boy games, Conrad." I scoffed but couldn't help laughing at his enthusiasm. It had been a while since we'd all come together. Sure, we were missing a few key players, but the thrill of the reunion hung thick in the air.

"Fifteen minutes," Trevor announced, slipping on a pair of sunglasses and stepping backward with the kind of confidence that could only come from years of navigating high-stakes scenarios. He nearly knocked over a waiter, who fumbled nervously with a tray of drinks as Trevor mumbled an apology, oblivious to the chaos.

Miles dragged him away, his hand gesturing wildly at his watch, a teasing look aimed at me before they vanished into the crowd. I shook my head, a smile tugging at my lips. No one would believe these men ran mafia clans.

"Conrad." I heard someone behind me beckoning.

"Rhea." I was both surprised and confused by her presence. I was completely unaware my parents had invited the Clarks.

Rhea's dress clung to her curves, and her eyes sparkled with mischief. she purred, leaning closer, her voice low and inviting. "You look like you could use some company."

I forced a smile, but my instincts kicked in. "Not tonight," I replied, trying to keep my tone light but firm. "I've got... things to take care of."

She pouted, unfazed. "Oh, come on. Just one drink? I promise I'm more fun than whatever's on your agenda."

No, thank you.

"Really, I appreciate it, but I'm not looking for distractions." I stepped back, scanning the crowd for an escape, but she was persistent, moving closer, her fragrance intoxicating.

"Suit yourself," she said, continuing to toy with the buttons on my shirt. "But you might miss out on something exciting."

"Whoops!"

I was in shock as the glass of red wine cascaded down Rhea's pristine white dress. My eyes widened, and my jaw tightened instinctively. The deep crimson liquid splattered, soaking the fabric and pooling on the floor. In a split second, Rhea's heel slipped, and she tumbled down, her expression a mix of surprise and fury.

"Sorry." Thea's voice came from beside me, smooth yet edged with a hint of satisfaction. She held an empty glass, her not-so-sincere smile betraying the amusement dancing in her eyes.

A wave of amusement washed over me, but I fought to keep my face straight. I wanted to laugh at the chaos Rhea was enduring, but I held it in, forcing my lips into a neutral line. Thea's little stunt was clearly intentional, and it stirred a secret thrill within me.

Rhea struggled to her feet, her face flushed with a mix of anger and humiliation. "Are you okay?" I finally asked, my voice betraying the hint of laughter I was trying to suppress.

"Just great," she muttered, shooting a glare at Thea while trying to wipe the wine from her dress, the fabric clinging awkwardly to her skin.

Thea leaned back, arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips. "Looks like some dresses just can't handle a little fun." Rhea huffed before walking away, dabbing tissues onto her wet dress.

I glanced at Thea, barely containing my amusement. Thankfully, not many had witnessed the incident, and the chaos quickly got lost in the noise of the party.

"Haven't lost your touch, I see," I said, nodding toward her as she grinned at Rhea's retreating figure, clearly enjoying the fallout.

"Don't flatter yourself. Your mother asked me to do that. Apparently, your dad invited them without discussing it." She giggled, holding her stomach as if she couldn't contain her laughter.

I raised an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and appreciation for my mother's cunning. "So this was a setup?"

"Just a little nudge to remind Rhea who's in charge here." Thea leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You should thank me. I'm doing you a favor."

I couldn't help but smirk, the tension easing. "Right, because ruining someone's dress is definitely the way to win friends and influence people."

Thea shrugged, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Sometimes you have to break a few eggs, Conrad."

I chuckled despite myself, shaking my head. "Well, I hope you have a backup plan for when Rhea retaliates."

"Let her try," Thea said with a confident grin. "I can handle a little drama. Besides, a little bloodshed could add color to this boring party."

"Boring? Why do you say that?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Are you seriously asking me that question?" She gestured broadly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Look around you. It's a sea of old men and women only interested in how much money everyone has. You promised me I'd have a great time. It's like a rich man's retirement home."

I laughed heartily at her analogy.

"Well, that's because you're on the wrong side of the party."

"What do you mean?" Her eyes sparked up as if she was waiting for me to blow her mind.

"Let's just say," I began, leaning in slightly, "the real action happens behind closed doors."

"Show me."

I discretely signal Kline, who was laboriously surveilling the gathering for threats. Once he sharply nodded, I turned back to Thea.

"One condition, you don't breathe a word of this to anyone."

"I promise." She put her hand up swearing.

END OF CHAPTER NINE: BROTHERHOOD
1999 words

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