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93. Because you’re stupid

Author: Anne Joyce
last update Last Updated: 2025-07-14 23:00:13

ACE (9 Years Old)

At my age, reading law books was considered “normal.” That’s what Mama said. But this evening, I didn’t want to read about jurisprudence or European court systems.

I wanted to read about the other Atticus. The one who wasn’t me.

My little fingers flipped the pages slowly, almost silently. I was reading the part about Scout and Jem walking home in the dark. I liked how the writing made the world feel slower, like it had its own heartbeat. Not like this house, which always sounded like a giant clock ticking way too fast.

Then I heard high heels clicking. I knew those steps.

I slammed the book shut and slipped it under the cushion of the chair. I straightened up and swapped it on the table for The Federalist Papers. My heart was pounding so loud, like I’d been caught stealing time.

The door opened. “Ace? What are you reading?”

Mama stood in the doorway, tall and lean, dressed in a formal gray suit even though it was already evening. Her blonde hair was neatly done, an
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  • The Heiress and the Four Brothers   95. Eyes on me

    SERAThe moment we stepped through the grand glass doors of the ballroom, the world inside greeted us with golden light and soft orchestra music. Crystal chandeliers hung high from the arched ceiling, scattering warm reflections across silk gowns and tailored tuxedos that moved gracefully through the room. The air was a blend of expensive wine, fresh peonies, and perfectly curated luxury.I felt heads turn in our direction. Camera flashes began to click, one by one finally catching the elusive Ace Vance, the oldest Blackwood son who’d always existed as little more than a whisper. But tonight, he wasn’t just a rumor. He was the spotlight.Ace barely reacted. His shoulders stayed firm, his jaw was set, and his smile flickered for maybe half a second, just enough to make people wonder if it was a smile or a warning.Gia reached us fast. Her dress was pretty, but still practical enough for someone always five seconds away from running a crisis. “Mr. Ace needs to join the others,” she sai

  • The Heiress and the Four Brothers   94. I don’t feel very sane tonight

    ACEThe sky was already dark outside. Beck, Cal, and Damon had left earlier. The house felt quiet, like a museum before the storm. I sat on the main floor sofa, legs crossed. My black suit jacket was still open, tie loose and undone. In my left hand, a glass of scotch untouched. My watch kept ticking, but time felt like it slowed down on purpose. Maybe because I knew this moment was the most important part of the night. Before the gala, before the flashing cameras, before the empty speeches … I wanted a small certainty about who held the reins.Then I heard her. The sound of the door closing. Her heels hitting the stairs with that unmistakable rhythm. And when I looked up—damn.Sera was wearing red.The dress fit her like sin. Too well, really. The slit ran high, brushing her thigh with every subtle move. Her hair was pinned low, exposing her pale, bare neck like a silent invitation.“I thought you’d go with black,” I said casually, sipping my scotch just to stop my left hand from re

  • The Heiress and the Four Brothers   93. Because you’re stupid

    ACE (9 Years Old)At my age, reading law books was considered “normal.” That’s what Mama said. But this evening, I didn’t want to read about jurisprudence or European court systems. I wanted to read about the other Atticus. The one who wasn’t me.My little fingers flipped the pages slowly, almost silently. I was reading the part about Scout and Jem walking home in the dark. I liked how the writing made the world feel slower, like it had its own heartbeat. Not like this house, which always sounded like a giant clock ticking way too fast.Then I heard high heels clicking. I knew those steps. I slammed the book shut and slipped it under the cushion of the chair. I straightened up and swapped it on the table for The Federalist Papers. My heart was pounding so loud, like I’d been caught stealing time.The door opened. “Ace? What are you reading?”Mama stood in the doorway, tall and lean, dressed in a formal gray suit even though it was already evening. Her blonde hair was neatly done, an

  • The Heiress and the Four Brothers   92. I’ve spent my life controlling everything

    ACEWe had just stepped into my room when my eyes caught three foreign objects on the desk by the bookshelf. Three gift boxes, each one painfully easy to guess.One was wrapped in pitch-black paper with no ribbon. Damon. Obviously.The second was in clean white linen, tied in a Japanese-style furoshiki knot. Had to be Cal.And the last one, cartoon dogs on the paper, with a handwritten note: “Don’t open this in front of Sera.”Beck. That bastard.Sera scoffed when she read it. “So Beck.”“I haven’t even opened it yet and I already know it’s something stupid,” I muttered.She chuckled and wandered over to the small bookcase I installed low on the wall. Her fingers ran along the spines of old law books and paused on a worn-out volume.“Did you actually read all of these?” she asked.“By the time I was ten, I could quote Marbury v. Madison.”“Constitutional Law, Volume Two …,” she murmured. “God, I miss reading something heavy.”I snorted, unbuttoning my coat and tossing it over the back

  • The Heiress and the Four Brothers   91. I want to see who Ace is now

    ACEI didn’t ask where she was driving. I figured today I could loosen the reins a bit.After everything that happened earlier, I knew I had to reel myself in before I lost all control. But there was a part of me that didn't want to let go just yet.And when she said she wanted to take me on a date, I didn’t say no.I don’t get asked out often. Usually, I’m the one planning the whole damn thing.After brunch and a few blocks of aimless driving, Sera glanced at me from behind the wheel, one brow raised. “So,” she said casually, “aside from this morning’s drama and the flower-bomb from your mother that you treated like an active grenade—what do you actually want today?”I leaned my head against the window, watching the city blur past. “Hm?”“It’s your birthday. I want to get you something.”I looked at her. “You know I don’t need anything, right?”“It’s not about need,” she replied, throwing me a quick look before turning back to the road. “I just want to. And for once, I want you to sa

  • The Heiress and the Four Brothers   90. I’m with you

    SERAAfter we parked on a quiet street, I turned to Ace sitting calmly in the driver’s seat. “I won’t be long,” I said, unbuckling my seatbelt. “You can wait here.”“You always say that, but somehow I age ten years every time I wait.”I gave him a faint smile. “You’re already old.”He just looked at me with that mock-threatening stare before turning his face toward the window.Edward Hayes was waiting for me on the second floor, in one of the unused office units. He looked the same as always—crisp suit, classic watch, and that polished smile that never quite earned your full trust. But Reggie trusted him, so do I.Next to him stood a younger woman—straight posture, neatly styled brown hair, and a gaze that told you she was used to being in charge. Her skin was a warm olive tone, her eyes sharp, and she wore a black blazer and perfectly tailored pencil skirt.“This is our firm’s new partner, Savannah Brucio,” Edward introduced. “She specializes in properties like this.”I gave a polite

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