Ashton Lincoln descended the grand staircase with her son Nolan at her side. Their footsteps echoed against the marble, each step deliberate, each pause heavy with unspoken tension. At the final step, both halted, their eyes drawn irresistibly to the dining room.
There, framed by the golden glow of chandeliers, stood Claire Wyatt. Tall, slender, and poised with an elegance that seemed almost divine, she radiated a beauty so arresting that Nolan felt his breath catch. For a fleeting moment, he questioned every judgment he had ever made about women, about love, about desire. The woman nestled securely in his brother's arms was no ordinary beauty—she was a vision, a goddess incarnate. And in that instant, Nolan silently ranked her above even his mother, Ashton, whose grace had long been his standard of perfection.
Ashton noticed the shift in her son immediately. His composure faltered, his eyes widened, and his lips parted as though words had abandoned him. She sighed softly, shaking her head with a helpless smile. With a gentle nudge, she pulled him back to reality. Nolan blinked, glanced at his mother, and caught her silent signal—a reminder to maintain dignity. He nodded, straightened his shoulders, and strode toward his brother Diamond.
Extending his hand, Nolan forced a smile, though his gaze remained locked on Claire. Diamond accepted the handshake cautiously, sensing the tension beneath Nolan's charm. Nolan leaned in, whispering something that made Diamond's eyes narrow. Yet after a moment's hesitation, Diamond nodded, his expression unreadable.
Before the brothers could part ways, Ashton stepped forward, her presence commanding the room. Her gaze fixed on Claire, her smile gentle yet laced with authority. Without sparing Diamond a glance, she spoke:
"Claire, may I have a few moments with you?"
It was not a request. It was a command.
Claire's eyes flickered toward Diamond, uncertainty clouding her expression. Diamond leaned close, whispering reassurance. "Don't take anything she says seriously. And don't let her threats get to you."
Claire's lips curved into a brave smile. "I'm not scared—as long as you're here."
With that, she followed Ashton, while Diamond trailed behind Nolan in a different direction. But the two men's eyes occasionally turn and look at the beautiful women each with their thoughts.
The sitting room was a portrait of power: velvet drapes, gilded frames, and a silence that pressed down like a weight. Ashton sat regally, one leg crossed over the other, her posture exuding dominance. She gestured to the seat opposite her.
"Sit, please."
Claire obeyed with equal elegance, crossing her legs and offering a calm smile. "What would you like to discuss, Your Excellency?"
Ashton studied her carefully, impressed by the young woman's composure. Her smile remained steady. "I like you. You're very beautiful."
Claire blinked, momentarily taken aback. Surely Ashton hadn't summoned her merely to deliver compliments. Still, she responded politely. "I'm flattered, First Lady. No one matched your beauty in your youth—and even now, few come close."
Ashton inclined her head, acknowledging the compliment. "Your charm is undeniable. Even I couldn't ignore it."
Claire bowed slightly. "Thank you." Then, with a sharper edge to her tone, she added, "But I assume you didn't invite me here just to praise my looks. What is it you really want to say, ma'am?"
Ashton chuckled softly, waving away the formality. "You're as sharp as I expected. Enough with titles. Soon, we'll be family. Just call me Auntie."
Claire hesitated, then smiled cautiously. "Auntie."
"Good," Ashton said, her voice firm. "Then I'll get straight to the point. I want your answer before the presidential announcement."
Claire's brows furrowed. "Answer to what?"
Ashton leaned forward, her eyes gleaming. "My son Nolan likes you. Tonight, after he's named General of the Armed Forces and future President of Beguisra, he will announce your engagement."
The words struck Claire like a blow. Her thoughts spiraled. So this is what Diamond meant. Ashton would steal anything from him—even me—just to please Nolan. How can a mother despise her own son so deeply?
Ashton noticed Claire's shifting expression and feigned concern. "Claire? Are you alright?"
Claire forced a smile. "Yes, I'm fine."
"You should be honored," Ashton pressed. "Being the president's wife is a privilege you'll only understand once you've tasted it."
Claire felt the provocation but kept her composure. Though her heart ached at the injustice Diamond endured, she knew she was powerless against Ashton's influence. Still, she smiled calmly. "Then Auntie must thank the future president on my behalf. But I'm sorry—I must decline the offer."
Ashton's smile faltered. She assumed Claire was bluffing. But Claire's next words were firm, unwavering.
"Auntie, Mr. Nolan should know—I'm Diamond's girlfriend."
The declaration stunned Ashton. She recovered quickly, her tone smooth but edged with menace. "Diamond will understand. They're brothers. You'll still be part of the family, no matter which one you choose. But it would benefit you more to make the right choice."
Claire recognized the veiled threat. She nodded politely. "Thank you, Auntie. I'll consider your advice."
Seeing no further opening, Ashton rose gracefully. "Claire, you can ride with us to the hotel."
Before Claire could respond, Sebastian Rutherford and Old Mr. Rutherford entered.
Old Mr. Rutherford's voice was cold, cutting through the tension. "And why would she ride with you instead of her fiancé?"
Relief washed over Claire. She smiled firmly. "No thank you, Auntie. I'll ride with Diamond. See you at the venue."
She turned to leave but collided with a hard chest. Looking up, she met Nolan's charming yet unsettling smile. His eyes burned with desire and frustration. Claire quickly stepped aside, her heart easing as Diamond approached. His warm, reassuring smile melted her tension.
Ignoring Nolan, Claire and Diamond exchanged tender words. Nolan stood frozen, fists clenched, rage simmering beneath his polished exterior.
Diamond wrapped his arm around Claire's waist, his voice gentle. "Shall we?"
Claire nodded, and together they walked toward the waiting convoy. Sliding into Diamond's Bugatti La Voiture Noire, she felt a surge of courage. Whatever awaited them, they would face it side by side.
Ashton joined her husband Sebastian, still attempting to sway him with her schemes. But Sebastian remained silent, his expression unreadable. Nolan traveled alone in his Rolls-Royce Sweptail, his thoughts consumed by jealousy and fury. Meanwhile, Sebastian and Mr. Rutherford rode separately in their official cars, each heading toward the hotel where the announcement would alter the course of their lives forever.
Claire leaned against Diamond in the car, her mind racing. She thought of Ashton's threats, Nolan's unsettling gaze, and the storm that awaited them at the venue. Yet amid the chaos, Diamond's presence anchored her. His hand on hers was a promise—silent but unbreakable—that she would not face the coming battle alone.