Chapter 4
Jasper’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief.]
Griffin and Finn exchanged nervous glances, both terrified I might announce I was choosing one of them instead.
Being so openly despised by the three guys I’d grown up with felt like a knife to the chest. I needed to leave before the tears started falling
I turned to go, but Doria grabbed my wrist.[]
Her eyes welled up as she dropped to her knees yet again:[]
“Please don’t punish Jasper for this. The three of them were taken in by your family–they’re already second–class citizens here. If you’re mad because they showed me Celestial Depths and want to tell your father, I’ll apologize properly.“[]
She started banging her head against the floor with a sickening rhythm until her forehead was red and bleeding.
Jasper pulled her up tenderly, then whirled on me with fury in his eyes:[]
“You say you won’t marry me, but I dare you to actually follow through! Using this backward power play to hurt Doria is pathetic!“]
You’re just looking for an excuse to run to Daddy and get Doria kicked out, aren’t you?“]
I stared at him coldly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, but rest assured–I will never choose you as my husband.”
I thought that would shut him up, but instead, Jasper grabbed my wrist:[]
“If not me, then who? Finn or Griffin?”
“Griffin wants to study art abroad. Finn craves freedom. Ruining my life isn’t enough for you–you have to destroy theirs too?“]
Jasper took a deep breath, his voice softening to something almost reasonable: “Look, if you promise to leave Doria alone from now on, I’ll marry you. Can we just stop this drama, please?“[]
His eyes were heavy with exhaustion, like I’d been torturing him for years.[]
I looked deep into Jasper’s eyes. “Everything will work out exactly as you want.“]
He was scared I’d mess with Doria and couldn’t stomach the idea of being stuck with me.[]
Once I married Hextor, all of Jasper’s problems would magically vanish.[]
I kept my distance from Jasper until my birthday gala. When he finally showed his face, he looked like he’d bitten into a lemon.[]
Finn and Griffin skulked behind him, both looking ready for a fight.[]
I shot my assistant a look–I’d specifically told her not to invite them since I was announcing my engagement to someone else.[]
She frantically shook her head with a clear “don’t look at me, they crashed” expression.[]
I sighed and decided to play it cool.]
The guests, however, were falling all over themselves to kiss up to them.]
“Jasper, my man! That deal you closed last month must’ve pulled in seven figures easy! No wonder Charlotte’s got her heart set on you.“[]
That project was actually my deal. Jasper had just shown up to sign his name.
“Griffin, sure you’ve got that temper, but you stand up for what’s right. Miss Montclair would be safe with you looking out for her.“]
I wanted to laugh. Griffin tormented me more than anyone, looking at me like I was something he wanted to scrape off his shoe.[]
“Finn, quite the catch yourself! Charlotte could do worse. Just remember us little people when you’re running the show.“]
The three of them worked my birthday party like celebrities at their own event.[]
I was about to shut this circus down when they all checked their phones at the same time.[]
Before I could even blink, Griffin stormed over and slapped me hard across the face.
All 3–Childhood Grooms Beg Me Back After i Chase Washington’s Crown Tyroon
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Chapter 4
The impact made my head spin, and 1 stumbled backward.[]
The room froze. Everyone backed away, suddenly fascinated by their champagne glasses.]
Jasper grabbed Griffin’s arm before he could hit me again. Then he turned to me, teeth clenched:[]
“We’re already lined up like products at a freaking auction for you to pick from, What more do you want?“[]
“Are you trying to push Doria over the edge?“]
I stared at him, completely lost. Finn saw my confusion and rolled his eyes in disgust.]
“You had someone grab Doria while we weren’t around to protect her. Let me make this crystal clear–you’re not getting away with this“]
And just like that, I knew Doria had pulled another one of her victim stunts.[]
Everyone at this party was either my father’s friend or a business partner. Yet I’d just been slapped in front of the entire room, and not a single person stepped up.]
A cold realization washed over me. They must all be betting the Montclair fortune wouldn’t end up in my hands–why else would they risk pissing off the future CEO?]
Touched my stinging cheek, my eyes hardening as I stared Griffin down. “Apologize. Now, “[]
