Chapter 169

The grand foyer of the Ashbourne estate glittered under crystal chandeliers.

Ca**ius Ashbourne stood flanked by his brothers Arnold and Aaron, all three dressed in tailored tuxedos that accentuated their commanding presence. Their wives, elegant in designer gowns, completed the striking ensemble as they welcomed Jeff Chambers and his second son, Byron.

"Ca**ius! Arnold!" Jeff's booming voice carried across the marble floors as he approached with outstretched hands. "Or should I say President Ashbourne and Prosecutor Arnold now? My, how time flies!" His gaze shifted to the youngest Ashbourne brother. "And this must be Aaron? Last I saw him, he was that mischievous little boy trailing after Suri. Look at him now - dashing enough to steal hearts across the city. Where are you working these days, young man?"

Aaron straightened his posture. "I serve in the Criminal Police Department, sir."

"A cop?" Jeff's smile faltered for a fraction of a second before recovering.

To a business magnate like Jeff Chambers, police work represented menial civil service - dangerous grunt work with stagnant career prospects. Hardly comparable to inheriting a corporate empire.

Suri Ashbourne's manicured fingers fluttered to her pearls. "My son isn't as accomplished as his brothers, I'm afraid." The admission tasted bitter. Coming from high society herself, she'd always pressured her children toward prestigious careers. Aaron's stubborn pursuit of law enforcement remained her greatest disappointment.

"Nonsense!" Aviana Ashbourne cut in, slapping Aaron's back with pride. "This boy's got three first-class commendations and cracked the Delacroix smuggling case last month. Youngest captain in precinct history!"

Arnold nodded. "At twenty-seven, he's already heading major investigations."

Jeff's eyebrows rose. "Impressive credentials."

Aaron ducked his head, warmth spreading through his chest at his family's defense.

"Jeff Chambers!" Emeric Ashbourne's voice rang out as he descended the staircase with Myra and Mr. Dun in tow. "I was beginning to think you'd fled the country to avoid seeing me."

"You're one to talk!" Jeff shot back. "Two months ago when I invited you riding, you claimed prior engagements. Since when does Emeric Ashbourne turn down horses? Unless..." He eyed Emeric up and down. "Age finally catching up to those stiff joints?"

Emeric's laugh echoed through the hall. "Save your concern for when we're sharing a nursing home. I'll be the one pushing your wheelchair, old friend."

The familiar banter drew chuckles from the assembled guests.

Jeff cut a sharp figure in his charcoal Brioni suit, the silver tie catching the light. But all eyes lingered on Emeric's unconventional choice - a snow-white silk robe embroidered with intricate obsidian patterns that whispered of both luxury and rebellion. At sixty, he carried himself with the vigor of a man half his age, his dark hair barely touched by silver.

Byron Chambers stepped forward with practiced politeness. "Mr. Emeric, it's an honor."

Unlike his half-brother Avery's delicate beauty, Byron inherited Jeff's striking angularity - razor-sharp cheekbones beneath winged brows, a gaze that cut like honed steel.

"Byron!" Emeric clasped the younger man's shoulder warmly. "Jeff mentioned you'd bring your brother tonight. Where is the boy hiding?"

"Last-minute business," Jeff grumbled, scanning the room. "Speaking of missing guests - where's that daughter of yours, Emeric? You promised me Evadne would be here."

Emeric checked his Patek Philippe. "She'll arrive. When my girl gives her word..."

The butler's announcement cut through the murmurs: "Ms. Evadne has returned."

Emeric's face lit up like sunrise over the Alps.

Jeff perked up instantly, while Byron's fingers twitched toward his tie knot. The usually unflappable tycoon adjusted his cuffs with uncharacteristic nervousness.

"Dad!"

The voice came like wind chimes in spring - light, musical, impossible to ignore.

Evadne Ashbourne floated into the room on Avery Chambers' arm, a vision in emerald silk that set her amber eyes aflame. The collective intake of breath was audible.

Ca**ius alone showed no surprise.

Jeff's smile froze. Byron's jaw clenched. The Chambers men exchanged glances thick with unspoken accusations.

"Mr. Emeric, Father." Avery bowed gracefully before locking eyes with Evadne. "Forgive our tardiness."

Jeff's gaze darted between them. "You two arrived together?"

Avery's lips curved as he gazed at Evadne. "I insisted on fetching her myself." The possessive edge in his voice sent Byron's fingers tightening around his champagne flute.