Chapter 5

Just when the MC was about to wrap up the Valentine's party program, a whisper rippled through the crowd that Thomas Whiteson had arrived.

He knew he couldn't conclude the program without acknowledging Thomas Whiteson. This wasn't the first time he'd handled the High-End's party, so he knew Thomas would come in late, with a reluctant smile on his face.

The MC cleared his throat, “An important person is in our midst. Can we all welcome Mr. Thomas Whiteson as he enters with his fiancee.”

Noises erupted in the auditorium. Cameras started flashing as Thomas walked hand in hand with Audrey. She dazzled in her white knee-length gown, the diamond on her neck screamed money.

Sophia almost pushed Lucas out of her way as she sighted Audrey. The poor Audrey, Thomas Whiteson's fiancee? The same Thomas who was portrayed to detest women?

Mr. Leo Whiteson beamed from his chair, a pleased smile spreading across his face as he saw his heir finally with a woman.

“My dad seems to like you,” Thomas whispered to Audrey.

Audrey's face was lowered, shyness taking over her.

“The way he smiles tells that he would accept you as my fiancee,” Thomas said again as he guided Audrey to his father’s seat.

Mr. Leo’s smiles deepened as Audrey stepped closer. He rose, enveloping her in a warm hug.

“My wife would be so glad to meet you,” he whispered softly.

Sophia shifted uncomfortably, feeling like her seat was on her fire, burning her buttocks. It took Lucas' restraining hand on her shoulder to keep her stay cool.

The program was closed after welcoming Thomas, but the crowd hung around, mingling.

Jealousy washed over Sophia as all attention was on Audrey. She hurriedly took a picture and sent it to her brothers.

In less than twenty minutes, the three brothers were in the auditorium.

A cold shiver ran down Audrey's spine on sighting them. She quickly excused herself and hurried to meet them, knowing they could cause a scene.

With pleading eyes, she murmured something to them, they nodded and followed her out of the auditorium.

“What's the news about? You're cheating on Lucas with Thomas?” Ryan's voice was dangerously low, his teeth clenched.

“I never accepted Lucas,” Audrey replied without flinching.

Oliver stepped closer, his breath heavy with anger. “Listen, you don't have a say in this. You either marry Lucas or pay a debt of 20 million.”

“Lucas and Sophia are together. Allow Sophia to have him, and let me out of this,” Audrey's words spilled out in fury. “What exactly do you want to gain by marrying me off?” Her voice rose in anger.

Alex's face reddened. “Lucas and Sophia are just friends. Marrying Lucas is a contract, Audrey. Unless you're ready to pay 20 million dollars.”

Audrey's teeth ground together, her nose flaring, “Send me the account details.”

Their eyes went wide. Audrey's confidence was something else.

“You’re paying 20 million?” Oliver repeated, brows furrowed in disbelief.

Audrey rolled her eyes, “when you're ready, send the account details to me.” She pushed past Alex, her shoulder brushing his.

“That's not all,” Oliver shouted, making her stop in her tracks. She slowly turned back, arms crossed, her gaze furious.

“What else do you want?” She snapped.

“You have a 40% share in grandfather's company……”

Audrey's eyes narrowed, she stepped closer with shock and confusion written on her face.

“Me?” Her voice was barely above a whisper, eyes scanning her brother's faces. They nodded reluctantly, their faces relaxed.

She was her grandfather's favourite. But why was she just knowing about the shares now, seven years after Grandpa's death.

A bitter smile spread on her lips. “Is that why you all want me back? For my share?”

Ryan exhaled deeply and placed a hand on her shoulder. “There are terms and conditions...... if you can't fulfill them, your share gets transferred to the charity home, cutting the family out entirely. You don't want that, do you?”

Audrey shook her head, a cold shiver running down her spine. She wouldn't want that to happen. The share was her grandfather's legacy and the only thing that would remind her of her lovely grandfather.

“What are the conditions?” She whispered, her lips trembling.

Just then, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Thomas and it read. “Where are you? So sorry to tell you that plan has changed. Mom wants us married sooner. Your 20 million dollar check is ready now.”

Audrey inhaled slowly, keeping her phone back in her bag and faced Ryan.

“You can't marry without your father's approval,” Ryan continued. “If you do, get ready to lose your inheritance.”

Audrey let out a faint smile. “You're joking, right.” Her smile faded at her brother's serious look.

“Then father has to accept Thomas,” she said sharply.

“No, you're getting married to Lucas Erickson!” Oliver said firmly.

“If you try to prove stubborn,” Alex growled, his voice low. “The whole world will know that Thomas Whiteson's fiancee is a thief….. who stole gold and vanished for five years.

The world will know she wanted to murder her only sister because she envied her,” A rough laugh escaped Alex’s throat.

“Tell me how Mr. Leo Whiteson would allow someone like you to marry his heir” Ryan added with an annoying chuckle.

Audrey's eyes welled up with tears, her hand shook terribly. Her brothers are dangerous, the threat wasn't an empty one, they could do that.

A tear rolled down her cheek as Sophia smirked, her gaze mocking. A satisfied smile also danced on Lucas' lips, his hand comfortably resting on Sophia's hips.

“What's going on here?” A voice sliced through the tension, turning everyone in its direction.

Audrey's heart skipped, her legs suddenly grew weak.

It was Mr. Leo and Thomas Whiteson.

A fake smile spread on Ryan's face as he stepped forward to them. “We're her brothers, that's her only sister…..and Lucas Erikson there is her ………”

Audrey's vision went blurred, her feet betrayed her. She collapsed to the floor.