Chapter 51 Incident Avoided

Chapter 51 Incident Avoided
Max

“We wouldn’t want you to face any… consequences, would we?” I was in awe at how well my mother held herself together in front of Aellorah’s father. She was still wearing that wide smile, daring him to step out of line.

She turned to us, her gaze warm and supportive. “Aellorah, darling, why don’t you go find refreshments for these gentlemen? I’m sure they could use a glass of wine to steady their nerves.” My mother’s eyes narrowed subtly, silently communicating with Aellorah, assuring her of her support.

“Sure, wine…” Aellorah agreed weakly. The hand still around my waist hesitated to pull away, like she was afraid to leave my side. I gave her a small, encouraging nod, and she headed toward the bar.

As she disappeared into the sea of bodies, I turned my attention back to the unwelcome visitors, my expression hardening. Aellorah wasn’t here to worry; they were going to see why I ran Harrow Wood.

“Now, where were we, Blackwood?” I asked, my voice dripping with condescension. “Ah, yes… accepting your daughter’s choices—or facing the consequences of your disrespect, abuse, and harassment.”

I could sense the discomfort of her family members, their unease palpable in the silence that followed. Aellorah wasn’t there to intimidate, and some of their bravado had withered. “Let me put this plainly—you have two options. Either you swallow your pride and acknowledge Aellorah’s decision, or you’ll find yourself facing the kind of backlash that will make you regret ever crossing paths with the Stonehall family.”

Mother cleared her throat, drawing their attention once more. “Darling, I believe it is time for us to join your fiancée and ensure she’s comfortable.” Her tone was casual, but there was a clear directive underlying her words—it was time to extract ourselves from the potentially volatile situation.

A crooked smile stretched across Jame’s face as he tucked his hands into the pockets of his trousers. A look that told me this was little more than a game to him—and he didn’t intend to lose. This had become very personal.

“Careful, Blackwood,” I warned in a low voice, refusing to back down. “You think you can best me, but let me assure you, I always come out on top.” That smug look remained on his face, making my temper flare. Aellorah was mine, and I wouldn’t let him, or anyone, take her from me.

The area around us had gone quiet, the partygoers drawn in by the tension.

“Wine,” Aellorah interjected breathlessly, shoving her hands between us, holding a tray of glasses. Her father blinked and then took one, and her brothers followed suit. Aellorah handed one to me and took the last glass for herself. “Let’s not do this here. It is a charity ball, after all…” she suggested softly, trying to de-escalate the situation. For her sake, I decided to play along.

“Aellorah is right,” I said, taking a smooth sip of wine, before meeting her father’s gaze. “Let’s not make a scene here tonight. After all, Aellorah deserves to enjoy a special evening without the distraction of family drama.”

The malice that I’d released in Aellorah’s absence returned to my tone as I added, “However, rest assured that this conversation is far from over. I’ll be expecting a formal response from you regarding Aellorah’s future—and her place within my family.”

Aellorah

Max’s gaze was fierce, burning with protectiveness as he stared at my father. I saw the corner of Daddy’s mouth twitch in amusement, but he said nothing. With a brief nod, Max turned away, leaving my father to consider his words, but I hesitated.

“Daddy, please… Just go…” I begged in a whisper, before Max wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me toward the dance floor. My father and brothers hadn’t moved when I glanced back, praying the confrontation had been enough to give them pause. The last thing Max or I needed was a full-blown fight breaking out in the middle of a charity event.

“So… your mom is quite the lioness,” I murmured, leaning against his shoulder. My father’s presence still lingered in my mind, but I tried to focus on the man in front of me—the man I’d promised to share the rest of my life with.

A low chuckle rumbled in Max’s chest as he spun me around slowly and then pulled me into his arms, his tall frame fitting perfectly against mine. “Yes, she is,” he agreed, his expression warming with admiration for her. “My mother knows exactly how to handle tense situations like these—and how to protect what’s hers.”

“And… that includes me?” I asked, tilting my head up at him curiously.

“From the moment I slipped that ring on your finger,” he assured smoothly. A wide, proud smile split across my face. We had only just become engaged, and I already felt like a part of his family.

A tender smile played on his lips as he looked down at me, his eyes sparkling. “Thank you…” he said.

“For what?” I asked, brows knitting together in confusion.

“For handling that difficult situation with grace, Princess,” he replied, his voice low and intimate as he pulled me closer. “I know how much they can mess you up, but you held yourself together. You are truly a gem.”

My cheeks warmed at his intimate praise. The music swelled around us, and Max’s grip on my waist tightened, pulling me right up against his chest. “Now,” he purred, “Let’s forget all about the drama, and show everyone what a perfect couple we make,” he whispered, breath ghosting across my ear and making me shiver. “Dance with me, Blackwood—let the world see how right we are together.”

I couldn’t hold back my soft laugh of delight as he twirled me around and then dipped me again. Max had a way of making me forget all about the darkness in the world. “You’re right, my love,” I agreed softly, “We are perfect together…”

“Fuck yes, we are princess," he replied, smile widening.