Chapter 7
For the second half of my birthday gala, the sky filled with helicopters, showering down millions worth of pink roses in a spectacular display.
In the middle of this floral extravaganza, Hextor Harrington–looking imposing despite his wheelchair–was carefully lowered from the main helicopter.]
He made his entrance down the red carpet toward me, his eyes softening in a way that surprised everyone.[]
Dad nearly choked on his champagne. “How the hell did he get here?“]
The guests immediately broke into shocked whispers.
Sure, they saw Hextor as “the paralyzed trust fund kid,” but let’s not forget who he was–the sole heir to DC’s most powerful dynasty![]
years
ago.
If the Harringtons hadn’t been so obsessed with finding a “proper match” from their blue–blood circles, Hextor could have been married off
The Harringtons weren’t just rich; they were American royalty. The Montclairs, by comparison, were new money–loaded, but without the pedigree.]]
Everyone assumed I’d be nothing but arm candy for Hextor, convinced the Harringtons wouldn’t give this engagement a second thought.]
While the room buzzed with speculation, Hextor looked up at me with a rare smile:[]
“What kind of engagement party runs without the groom?”
“Am I fashionably late enough?“]
s.O
He personally held out a bouquet of Bulgarian roses that probably cost more than most people’s cars.
He held them there, waiting for me to make the next move.
I didn’t leave him hanging. Taking the roses with a genuine smile, I said, “Your timing couldn’t be more perfect.“]
The ice that usually frosted his features instantly melted. For the first time in public memory, he actually looked…happy.]
This unexpected show of warmth shocked the room. Before his accident, Hextor had been nicknamed “Frost King” for his cold–blooded business tactics. After it, he’d turned even more ruthless–he’d even kicked his own father to the curb without blinking.]
Just as I took Hextor’s hand, Jasper stormed in through the main entrance, looking like he’d seen a ghost.[]
Seeing his return, the guests exchanged knowing glances.
“Looks like Callahan’s having second thoughts.“[]
r.“0
“Bet he realized he overreacted. Now he’s back to smooth things over.”
“They’ve been attached at the hip since they were kids. If he shows even an ounce of regret, she’ll drop this Harrington circus act in a hot second.“]
Before I could react, Hextor’s grip on my hand tightened just enough to send a message.[]
His face remained perfectly composed, but his eyes were pure storm clouds.[]
The moment Jasper locked eyes with Hextor, something primitive in him recognized the danger. But he pushed forward anyway:[]
“Sorry about all this. Charlotte’s got a stubborn streak. If she said something that gave you the wrong impression, please don’t take it personally.“]
Jasper reached for my arm, his eyes practically screaming “stop this crazy stunt.”
“0
Hextor’s face went instantly arctic. “And you might be…?“[]
For years, Jasper had been the face of Montclair Industries at countless events.
In their world, it was flat–out impossible for Hextor not to know exactly who Jasper was.[]
Everyone knew Hextor was deliberately cutting him down to size.[]
Jasper started to claim he was my fiancé, but as his eyes fell on my hand in Hextor’s, reality slapped him in the face.]
Until now, he’d only ever been the Montclairs‘ adopted son. Nothing more.]
Hextor’s lip curled slightly. “If you’re addressing me as the Montclairs‘ rescue project, I’m afraid you don’t have the standing.“]
All 3–Childhood Grooms Ber Me Back After 1 Chose Washington’s Crown Tycoon
GQ.0%
Chapte
Jasper’s face burned, but he kept his desperate focus on me. “Charlotte, are you seriously torching your future over one stupid fight?”
His fists were clenched so tight his louckles looked like they might break through his skin.)
After all our history, I could spot Jasper’s pante a mile away!]
But what was he really panicking about?]
That I was marrying Hextor:]
Or that the Montclair fortune might be slipping through his fingers?]
I gave Jasper a cool smile. “Hextor and I are crazy about each other. This has zero to do with getting back at you. Our engagement’s already locked in–unless you’re trying to pull some rom com stop the wedding moment?:[]
I deliberately halted him, and predictably, Jasper took it
“I’m not trying to just…“]
His face went ashen as he scrambled for words. “I can’t stand by while you mess with the Harrington family name. If you back out later, the Montclairs are finishedr[]
At this, I actually laughed out loud:[]
“That’s hardly your problem, considering your business card says ‘Callahan,‘ not ‘Montelair.“]
When Dad adopted the three of them, Jasper had insisted on keeping his birth name, refusing to take ours.[]
Dad hadn’t pushed it–he’d let them have their way.
