Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Someone piped up and glanced over at Richard, who was standing quietly off to the side. “Hey, kid, when did you sneak in? You pop up out of nowhere like a ghost."

Richard just smiled and raised his glass. "It's good to see you all. Thanks for coming all this way."

Most of these guys didn't work in the Capital anymore-some were even retired, living out their days on private islands overseas. So yeah, it really was a long haul for them.

"You caught what we were saying, didn't you? You and Dylan barely show your faces at public events these days, both acting colder by the minute. Just don't end up like the others—don't let a woman come between you."noveldrama

Plenty of friendships in their circle had crashed and burned over women, turning into gossip for everyone else to snicker about.

Richard gave a small laugh. "You don't need to worry. Dylan will always be my friend."

He said it quietly, staring down into his glass. His lashes fluttered, as if his thoughts drifted somewhere else. Then he glanced up at Dylan. "Right, Dylan?"

Dylan sat there in his wheelchair, silent, only giving a faint nod.

Richard looked away, swirling his drink, his mind elsewhere.

The older men joked among themselves a bit longer, then waved them off. "Alright, we just came to check on Walter. Eighty years old-can you believe it? Time really flies. You two go mingle. And Colin, seriously, you still don't have a woman by your side? At your age? Your granddad's probably losing sleep over it."

Everyone in this room was sharp-they all knew Dylan had posted his marriage certificate online. But with the Warren family here tonight, plus the Chesters flying in from abroad, no one dared to guess what might happen next.

So, by silent agreement, nobody mentioned Dylan's marriage.

Richard caught Dylan's eye and nodded toward the balcony, where it was quieter.

They stepped outside. Richard took out a cigarette, lit it, and leaned on the railing. "You look terrible. Hurt again? Word is, things with you and Tara got messy..."

By now, everyone knew-thanks to Simon's photos, all taken in Dylan's own

room.

Dylan stared out at the distance. From here, he could see the patch of ground where that old tree used to stand. The hole was still there, not yet filled in. "Dylan?"

Richard said something else, but Dylan just couldn't focus.

With his back to the garden, Richard rested his elbow on the railing, cigarette dangling between his fingers. You've been in pretty rough shape tately. Once this party's over, you should get some rest. If you need anything, let me know. Also..."

He trailed off, looking over at Dylan in his wheelchair.

"I found out a few things. We'll talk when you have time."

Right then, someone else stepped onto the balcony-it was Aiden.

Aiden's voice was as respectful as always. "Sir, the Chester family has arrived."

Dylan nodded, and Aiden naturally moved to wheel him away.

Richard watched them go, then turned back to the garden, cigarette pressed to his lips.

The Chesters were a big deal overseas. Up until now, they'd never shown up at any events hosted by families in Country Z.

Any business here hoping to expand abroad would eventually have to deal with the Chesters.

But those two brothers hardly ever made public appearances-getting a meeting with either of them was next to impossible.

So tonight, when word got out that the Chesters were coming, everyone was curious.

The eldest son, Griffin, ran the

family. He was famous for being et

impossible to please-almost thirty, still single, and plenty of people were eyeing that marriage spot.

His brother, Buddy Norman, was the complete opposite-always surrounded by women. Most people thought he'd be an easy target, but aside from the occasional tabloid headline, nothing ever cameout about him.

Bottom line: neither of the Chester brothers was going to be easy to handle.