Lahat ng Kabanata ng Meet My Overprotective Brothers : Kabanata 41 - Kabanata 50

Cora felt her breath catch. The gala. Her father was talking about a gala.And suddenly, she remembered. Standing in that apartment. Liam and Vanessa together. Vanessa's mocking voice cutting through Cora's pain like a knife."Tomorrow, the Sterlings are hosting a gala night. It is going to be the event of the year."Cora's mouth went dry. "Father," she said slowly. "This gala. Is it the Sterling Foundation Gala?""Yes," Alexander confirmed. "We hold it every year. It is our signature event.""And it is in three weeks?" Cora pressed."Yes. The invitations went out months ago, but we can add you to all the materials. Make it clear that you will be there as the guest of honor."Cora felt dizzy. She looked at her brothers, trying to ground herself. "Was there one recently? Like, a week ago?"Ethan shook his head. "No. The last one was a year ago. Why do you ask?""Because Vanessa mentioned it," Cora said quietly. "When I... when I found them together. She said there was a Sterling gala t

Cora looked at Ryan's outstretched hand. At the offer he was making. At the kindness in his eyes that she was still learning to trust."Okay," she said slowly. "Yes. I accept."Ryan's face lit up with a smile. "Yeah?""Yes," Cora confirmed. "You can be my wingman. My date. Whatever we are calling it.""Excellent," Ryan said, lowering his hand. "You will not regret this. I am a very good date.""I am sure you are," Cora said, managing a small smile. But then her expression grew serious. "But I need you to promise me something first.""Anything," Ryan said.Cora took a breath. "I need you to promise that you will be a gentleman the entire night. No matter what happens. No matter what Liam or Vanessa say or do."Ryan's smile faded slightly. "What do you mean?""I mean," Cora said carefully, "that if they try to provoke us—and they probably will—I need you to stay calm. To not react. To not make a scene.""Cora—""I am serious, Ryan," she interrupted. "I know you and your brothers want to

Cora woke to sunlight streaming through her windows and the sound of voices outside. Excited voices. She sat up groggily, rubbing her eyes, and checked her phone.Eight thirty in the morning. And seventeen more messages from Liam that had come in overnight. She did not bother reading them. Just set the phone back down and got out of bed.The voices outside grew louder. She heard Ryan's laugh. Caleb saying something she could not make out. And her father's voice, warm with pleasure.Curious, Cora walked to her window and looked down at the front drive.Her breath caught.There, gleaming in the morning sunlight, was the most beautiful car she had ever seen. Deep midnight blue with chrome accents that sparkled like jewelry. Sleek lines. Elegant curves. It looked like something royalty would drive.All four Sterling men were standing around it, admiring it. Alexander ran his hand along the hood with obvious pride. Ethan was examining the interior. Ryan was grinning like a kid on Christmas

The day of the gala arrived with bright sunshine and nervous energy that seemed to permeate the entire mansion.Cora woke early, her stomach in knots. Today was the day. In a few hours, she would walk into the Sterling Foundation Gala and face everyone. The elite. The press. Liam. Vanessa.She showered and returned to her room to find it had been transformed into a preparation suite. A professional stylist had arrived with an assistant. Makeup. Hair tools. An entire arsenal of beauty products spread across every available surface."Miss Sterling," the stylist said with a warm smile. "I am Margot. Your father hired me to make sure you look absolutely stunning tonight.""I am not sure that is possible," Cora said, attempting humor to mask her nerves."Trust me," Margot said. "By the time I am done, you will not recognize yourself."For the next three hours, Cora sat still while Margot and her assistant worked. Her hair was washed, conditioned, styled into soft waves that cascaded down h

Cora sat at the Sterling table, champagne glass in hand, trying to look composed. Trying to look like she belonged here among the elite and powerful. Trying to look like seeing her ex-husband with the woman he had left her for was not tearing her apart inside.But it was.God, it was.She took a small sip of champagne, hoping it would settle her nerves. Instead, it made her stomach churn. The bubbles felt like acid. The taste turned bitter on her tongue.Across the room, Liam leaned in and whispered something in Vanessa's ear. She laughed, that musical laugh that had haunted Cora's nightmares. Then Vanessa turned and kissed him. Right there in public. In front of everyone.It was not a long kiss. Not inappropriate for the setting. Just a quick, affectionate press of lips that spoke of intimacy and comfort and belonging.The kind of kiss Cora used to give Liam. The kind she had thought meant something.Her stomach lurched violently.She took another sip of champagne, trying to force it