8.

Avery’s POV

Inside the grand ballroom, the party was in full swing as guests congratulated grandfather Wellesley. Avery stood near a table, watching them give him different sorts of expensive gifts and the broad smile that appeared on his face whenever he received their gifts.

She curled her fingers lightly around a crystal glass of water which she had opted to take after remembering that she has to drive her boys back home after the party. She would never drive under the influence, especially not when her sons were in the car.

The boys clung to her, Neal gripping the hem of her dress while Noel pressed against her side. They both refused to leave her sight, their earlier encounter with Vivian still weighing heavily on them.

They were not scared, contrary to what others might think. She had pushed Neal earlier to find other kids and play with them, but Neal had refused, saying that he wanted to stay with her. They could sense her unease and wouldn’t leave until she was okay.

Avery exhaled, smoothing Noel’s hair gently. She hated that they felt unsafe in their own family home, but she couldn’t blame them. It was worse for them than her, because they had no idea who their father was.

At least she knew, though she had amnesia. But there was a chance that she could recover her memories.

The room bustled with conversation, laughter, and the clinking of glasses, but Avery felt strangely detached from it all, waiting for when grandfather was going to tell her that they could leave.

She had also scanned the room severally but had not seen a trace of Asher. Avery didn’t know if he was avoiding her intentionally or not, but it felt strange that they were both in the same room and he was yet to approach her.

Or perhaps he had left the party earlier.

She was just starting to relax, when someone crashed into her, and the sharp scent of red wine filled the air.

Shit! She cursed internally as the wine spilled on her dress.

The cold liquid seeped into the fabric of her gown, a deep crimson stain blooming across the soft blue silk. At first, she looked surprised and couldn’t believe her state, but then she remembered where she was.

Avery gasped, her body stiffening as she stepped back. It was already too late, the liquid had soaked her dress. Neal and Noel clung tighter to her, their eyes wide too as they started at the stain.

“Oh dear,” a mocking voice cooed. “I am so sorry.”

Avery didn’t need to look to know who it was. The second villain in her list of villains. It was none other than Henry’s second sister, Joanna Wellesley.

Vivian and Joanna both hated her, that much was obvious. But Avery preferred to be taunted by Vivian than confronted by Joanna. The difference was that Vivian knew how to use her words and that was as far as she could go, whereas Joanna didn’t bother with words. She went physical every single time and no one held her accountable.

Avery turned slowly, wiping at the stain with trembling fingers, though it did more harm than good in this situation, smearing the dress. She looked at Joanna with anger in her eyes.

Joanna stood before her, faux concern painted across her face, a half-empty wine glass still dangling in her hand. Avery knew that it was not beyond Joanna to empty the entire content on her.

“Joanna,” Avery said, her voice tight.

Joanna feigned a wince. “I didn’t see you there. Such a shame about your dress. It was quite pretty.” She mocked.

Avery’s patience snapped. Joanna had sharp eyes and had seen her well enough to target her, so she was not falling for her sister In-law’s bullshit.

She had endured enough for one night.

“Cut the act,” she said, stepping forward, her tone sharper than before. “We both know that wasn’t an accident.”

Joanna’s eyes widened, but not with innocence; with amusement. She hadn’t expected Avery to push back. She had expected Avery to be the dutiful daughter in-law that she was and kept quiet because grandfather would be displeased if they caused another scene.

She was done being nice to people who hated her very existence.

A delighted smirk curled on Joanna’s lips. “Oh, Avery,” she tsked. “Clumsy little me.”

Before Avery could respond, a familiar presence appeared behind Joanna.

Vivian.

Vivian’s cold gaze swept over Avery, lips twisting into a knowing smile. “Is there a problem here?” she asked.

Avery would have known that Vivian was behind Joanna’s actions. She had expected revenge, but not this early, perhaps a few days.

Avery exhaled slowly, keeping her voice level. “Your sister just spilled wine all over me.” She narrated, as if Vivian needed any explanation as to what was happening. If her instincts were right, Vivian and Joanna had planned this stunt together.

Vivian’s smile didn’t falter. “Accidents happen.” She muttered with an unconcerned shrug.

Joanna snickered. “Maybe you should be more careful, Avery. You do seem to attract trouble. Like your showdown with Vivian earlier. I’m starting to think that maybe, because you think that grandfather supports your sons, it suddenly gives you the right to talk back at us…” she said.

Avery’s hands curled into fists at her sides. She would have hit Joanna at that moment, but that was not the kind of scene she wanted her sons to witness. Of course they were watching and whatever they see her do would be implanted in their memory.

Vivian leaned in slightly, her voice just for Avery. “Maybe this is a sign,” she murmured. “You don’t belong here.”

Avery squared her shoulders. “And yet, here I am.” She fired back, not giving Vivian a chance to recover.

Joanna’s expression darkened. “You shouldn’t be.” She said, taking a step forward, her posture shifting from amusement to aggression.

Joanna was a hot tempered woman and Avery had seen her countless times raise her hands on servants, male or female, in the estate. She wasted no time in putting others below her in their rightful position; those were Joanna’s words.

Avery braced herself, instinctively moving to shield the boys. A part of her regretted showing up that evening. She would have given grandfather an excuse that would exempt her and her sons from coming to the celebration.

She was prepared to protect herself and her sons against the hit, but before Joanna could get any closer, a firm hand caught her wrist, stopping her.

A hushed gasp rippled through the nearby guests as a deep, commanding voice broke through the tension, shocking Avery.

“I believe that’s enough!”

Avery’s breath hitched. This time, it wasn’t grandfather who had come to her rescue, it was him. The man that had been lingering in her mind since she had seen him that evening.

Asher Storm.

He was still in the party, Avery thought.

Joanna recoiled at the touch, her lips parting in shock from seeing him there. The entire room seemed to freeze too, as the imposing figure of Asher loomed over her.

He had always been a presence that demanded attention, but now, his expression was something new; undeniable authority.

He released Joanna’s wrist slowly, his icy gaze shifting between the two sisters who shifted in their feet. “I suggest you both back off.” Asher ordered.

Vivian scoffed at him, obviously not seeing the reactions of people around. “And who exactly do you think you are to tell me what to do?” she spat.

Everyone in business knew who Asher storm was. After the day she had encountered him at the mall, she had taken the liberty of finding out about him.

She had not only found out that he came from old money, but also that he had started his own company, Storm Capitals, from the scratch, which was widely known as the frontier of global investments in the entire country.

For Asher to be invited to grandfather Wellesley’s birthday celebration, then it meant that he was well known and influential.

Asher’s lips curved into a slow, deliberate smirk as he gazed at Vivian from head to toe. “The man who can pull his resources from Wellesley Publications in less than an hour.” He said in a low deadly voice.

Silence.

The color drained from Joanna’s face as she turned briefly to stare at Vivian. Even Vivian hesitated, her jaw tightening when she saw the reaction of those around. They both were not into the family business, so they knew next to nothing about what went on in the company.

Asher tilted his head, a smirk playing at his lips. “Still want to test me or you think you can take me on?” he asked, amusement lacing his tone.

Joanna swallowed, glancing at Vivian for guidance.

Vivian recovered first, straightening her shoulders. “This is a family matter. You have no business interfering.” She stuttered. It was clear that she was scared, but acting otherwise.

Asher’s gaze darkened as he focused on them. “I just made it my business.” He said.

He turned slightly, “Nolan.” He called, his voice even but firm as his assistant walked up to him.

Avery had not even noticed that Nolan was around. He had just popped out of nowhere, suddenly when Asher had called for him.

But before Asher gave any orders, he did something that caught Avery completely off guard. Never in her thoughts had she imagined such a picture playing in front of her eyes.

He bend one of his knee, kneeling right in front of Neal and Noel, who surprisingly moved closer to him.

The room held its breath. Asher Storm—Infamous for his cold, untouchable demeanor, was on his knees, before two small children who he knows nothing about, his gaze softer but still unwavering.

Avery’s heart pounded as she watched. She didn’t want to admit it, but her heart warmed up to him at that moment. The boys were looking at him like their world revolved around him. The sight made her feel something she had not felt in a very long time.

“Are you boys okay?” Asher’s voice was low, steady, as if he were speaking only to them.

Neal hesitated, his eyes darting toward Avery, then back to Asher. Noel gripped his twin’s sleeve and slowly, they both nodded their heads.

Asher’s lips pressed into a thin line, as if considering something. He flicked his gaze briefly to her to ask silently for permission, but didn’t wait to hear her response. Then, he leaned in closer, lowering his voice to a whisper.

Avery strained to hear, but his words were meant only for the kid’s ears and not hers. Whatever he said made Neal and Noel nod more firmly this time. Neal was even smiling shyly as he looked at her. She made a mental note to ask them later what Asher had told them.

When he was done, Asher stood up and straightened, his face once again unreadable.

“Nolan,” he called again. She watched Nolan step forward, this time, closer to him.

“Take the boys,” Asher instructed.

Avery instinctively tensed, but Asher’s next words were gentler and assuring to her. “I’ll bring their mother back to them soon.” He said, looking at her pointedly.

Neal and Noel looked up at Avery uncertainly, but she nodded at them, offering reassurance. Somehow, She knew her boys would be safe with Nolan. Asher would make sure that they were well taken care of.

“It’s okay,” she murmured. “Go with Nolan. I’ll be with you too soon.”

Nolan held out his hand. “Come on, Noel, Neal.” He called them.

She watched as her boys hesitated before taking his hands, their small faces still full of concern as they were led away.

Once they were gone, Asher gripped Avery’s wrist. His grip was surprisingly gentle as he guided her away from the scene and her sister In-laws.

The murmurs in the room swelled and was almost deafening as they walked away.

Asher Storm, showing interest in a woman? In Avery Wellesley? It was unexpected. Unbelievable.

And yet, he walked away with her without another word or glance at anyone, leaving behind stunned silence in his wake.