All Chapters of Meet My Overprotective Brothers : Chapter 131 - Chapter 140

Vanessa sat across from Ethan, her composure returning slowly. She had recovered from her initial shock at being confronted with phone records. Now her lawyer mask was sliding back into place."Those phone calls could have been to anyone," Vanessa said. "Burner phones are not illegal. Neither is having offshore accounts.""Not illegal," Ethan agreed. "But very suspicious when they coincide with multiple murders.""Coincidence is not evidence," Vanessa replied. "You learned that in law school, I am sure."Ethan leaned back in his chair. She was right. He had phone records showing calls at suspicious times. But nothing directly connecting Vanessa to the casino massacre or to Dr. Henley's attempt on Cora's life."The police might see it differently," Ethan said."Then call them," Vanessa challenged. "Let us see what they say about circumstantial evidence and fishing expeditions."Ethan did call them. Detective Morrison came to his office that afternoon. Listened to Ethan's presentation o

James Sterling's car pulled through the gates of his brother's estate late in the afternoon. He had called ahead, making sure Alexander would be available. Making sure this visit would not seem suspicious or unexpected.Brothers visited each other. That was normal. Especially during family crises.The butler showed James into Alexander's study. His older brother sat behind the massive oak desk looking exhausted. The past weeks had aged him visibly. Lines around his eyes that had not been there before. Gray in his hair that seemed to have appeared overnight."James," Alexander said, standing to greet him. "This is unexpected.""I should have come sooner," James replied. He embraced his brother briefly. "I have been following the news. About Cora. About the attempts on her life. I cannot imagine what you are going through.""It has been difficult," Alexander admitted. He gestured for James to sit. "But we are managing. Cora is here now. At the estate. Where we can protect her properly."

The days leading up to Saturday felt endless. Alexander coordinated with security. Ethan prepared talking points for the gala. Ryan and Caleb reviewed protocols for protecting Cora in their father's absence.Friday evening, Alexander gathered his sons one final time."Tomorrow is important," he said. "For the foundation. For the family. But most importantly for keeping Cora safe."They were in his study. The four Sterling men standing around the desk like generals planning a military operation."Ryan, Caleb," Alexander looked at his two youngest sons. "You will be responsible for Cora while Ethan and I are at the gala. I need you to stay alert. Watch everything. If anything seems unusual, anything at all, you call me immediately. Do you understand?""Yes," they said together."Not just threats," Alexander continued. "But anything. If her vitals change. If security reports something odd. If you just have a feeling something is wrong. You call. I do not care if I am in the middle of a s

Ethan was in his office reviewing security footage when his phone rang. Unknown number. He almost ignored it but answered."Ethan Sterling.""It is Liam." The voice was nervous. "Liam Kingston. I need to talk to you."Ethan leaned back. "I am listening.""Not over the phone," Liam said. "Can we meet? Somewhere public.""Why?""I have something important to discuss. About the money. About Cora."Ethan checked his watch. "Coffee shop on Morrison Street. One hour.""I will be there," Liam said.Ethan arrived early. Chose a back corner table. Ordered coffee. Waited.Liam arrived on time. He looked different. Thinner. Dark circles under his eyes. The celebrity polish worn away."Thank you for meeting me," Liam said as he sat."You said this was about money," Ethan replied. "Talk."Liam ordered coffee. Took a breath. "I want to settle. Pay back what I owe Cora. End the lawsuit.""You do not have that kind of money," Ethan observed."I can get it," Liam insisted. "I have been working. Taking

"Absolutely not," Liam said after Vanessa left. He spoke to his empty apartment like saying it out loud would make it true. "I am not doing that. I am not helping anyone hurt Cora."He resumed packing. Faster now. More determined. He would leave tonight. Catch the first flight out. Disappear before Ethan could follow through on his threats.His phone rang. Vanessa.Liam ignored it. Kept packing.It rang again. And again.On the fourth call, Liam answered. "I said no.""You did not let me finish," Vanessa replied. "You heard murder and stopped listening. But that is not what I am proposing.""Then what are you proposing?" Liam demanded."Come back to my place," Vanessa said. "Let me explain properly. What I am actually planning. How it benefits you. How it solves all your problems without you having to become something you are not.""I do not want to hear it," Liam insisted."Thirty minutes," Vanessa pressed. "Give me thirty minutes to explain. If you still want to run after that, fine