025

025
025
The Harrington Brothers 

Astor’s entire demeanor shifted in an instant. His posture stiffened, and his expression hardened, the vulnerability he’d shown moments ago vanishing completely.

“What do they want?” he asked, his tone sharp.

“I... I don’t know,” the maid stammered. “But they’re waiting in the sitting room.”

Astor let out a slow breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Of course they are,” he muttered.

Roda hesitated, glancing nervously between Astor and Charlotte. “Should I tell them you’re coming?”

“Yes,” Astor said, his voice curt. “And make sure they don’t touch anything.”

Roda nodded quickly and left, closing the door behind her.

Charlotte watched Astor carefully, noting the tension in his shoulders and the way his jaw tightened.

“Are you okay?” she asked quietly.

Astor let out a laugh. “Not even close,” he said.

—

The Harrington villa was unusually quiet, a tension lingering in the air as the staff moved about.

Astor has always been at loggerheads with his siblings, he wondered what they came for, if not not for his father and his unusual pressure, he'd have asked them to leave.

“Still the same old place,” one of them drawled, glancing around with a smirk. “Though I suppose Astor’s made a few changes to remind us how wealthy he is now.”

The taller of the two, Victor, adjusted his cufflinks, his sharp features set in. His younger brother, Ethan, leaned casually against the entryway table, a glint of mischief in his dark eyes.

“Victor, you know Astor’s favorite pastime is showing off,” Ethan said, his tone dripping with mockery. “I mean, look at this place. It’s practically screaming, ‘I’ve made it.’”

Victor chuckled, his gaze sweeping over the room. “But has he, really? It’s easy to pretend when you’ve distanced yourself from the family name. Strip away the Harrington legacy, and what’s left?”

“Common! Don't be so rude…” Ethan said.

Roda entered hesitantly, her steps faltering as she approached them. “Mr. Harrington is currently unavailable,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “He’ll be with you shortly.”

Victor turned to her with an exaggerated smile. “Oh, I’m sure he’s very busy,” he said, his sarcasm evident. “Tell me, does he spend his days brooding in his study or doting on his new... family?”

Roda cheeks flushed, but she didn’t respond. She gave a quick nod before retreating, leaving the brothers alone once more.

Their laugh echoed in the sitting room, as Roda left.

“Mehn…Astor is something else really..” Victor commented, staring round once more.

“No doubts, I wonder what he has been up to these days..” Ethan said sipping a glass of wine he took from one of the canteen's earlier.

“Is Williams coming over too?” Victor asked, his eyes darting round.

“I don't think so..” Ethan replied, his arms folded.

Victor stood and strolled to the canteen area again, his movements slow. He sank into one of the plush armchairs, crossing his legs as he examined his manicured nails.

“So,” he began, “what’s the deal with this Charlotte woman? And the kid? Is Astor playing house now?”

Ethan leaned against the back of the couch, a sly grin spreading across his face. “I heard she’s a single mom,” he said. “Not exactly the type you’d expect Astor to bring home. He’s always been so particular about appearances.”

Victor raised an eyebrow. “Particular or desperate? Let’s face it, Ethan, our dear brother has never been good at relationships. This might be his way of trying to prove he’s human, though we both know better.”

Ethan laughed, shaking his head. “Oh, I bet Mother would love this. Imagine her reaction if she knew Astor was shacking up with some nobody and her kid.”

Victor’s smile widened. “It would destroy her. The perfect son tarnishing the Harrington name with such... common person.”

Ethan smirked. “Maybe we should send her an invitation to dinner.”

They both laughed, lifting their legs up as though they can't contain their excitement and teasing.

Unknow to them, Charlotte stood just beyond the doorway, her heart pounding as she listened to their cruel remarks. She had been on her way to check on Jasmine when the sound of their voices stopped her in her tracks.

She heard everything they said.

At first, she had been curious to know Astor's other brothers apart from Williams but that curiosity died when she heard their shabby and shady words.

She pressed herself against the wall, her hands clenched into fists. The way they spoke about Astor, about her and Jasmine, it was infuriating.

Part of her wanted to storm in and confront them, to tell them exactly what she thought of their arrogant, condescending attitudes. But another part of her hesitated. These were Astor’s brothers, after all. Would standing up to them not make things worse?

The brothers continued without noticing Charlotte.

“Do you think he actually loves her?” Ethan asked, his tone mocking.

Victor snorted. “Astor? In love? Don’t make me laugh. He probably sees her as a convenience, a way to make himself seem relatable. You know, the ‘self-made man with a heart of gold’ narrative.”

Ethan grinned. “And the kid? What’s her name? Jasmine? He’s probably using her too, playing the doting father to complete the image.”

Victor leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “Do you think he even knows how to be a father? He barely tolerated us growing up.”

“True,” Ethan said. “Though, to be fair, we barely tolerated him either.”

Victor’s lips curved into a smirk. “Fair point.”

They both laughed, irritating Charlotte further, but what should she do?

As she stood there, her anger grew with every passing second. How dare they come into this house, Astor’s home, and speak about him like that?

She thought about all the times she’d seen Astor with Jasmine, the way his usually cold demeanor softened around her, the way he tried, even if awkwardly, to make her smile. He wasn’t perfect, but he was trying. And that counted for something.

Taking a deep breath, Charlotte made a decision. She wasn’t going to let them get away with this.