Chapter 12

As the ballroom’s grandeur buzzed with the last bits of chatter, the Westwood twins, Liam and Luke, stood in a quieter corner. While the other guests mingled, their sharp eyes had remained fixed on the unexpected interactions that unfolded earlier, particularly between Charlotte and Asher Kingsley.

Liam leaned against the wall, swirling his drink as his gaze followed Charlotte’s exit. “That was... interesting,” he muttered.

Luke, slightly more relaxed but no less observant, raised an eyebrow. “Interesting? Or suspicious?”

Liam smirked. “She wasn’t on anyone’s radar until tonight. Suddenly, she’s getting mistaken as my date, and now she’s cozying up to Kingsley?” He looked at his brother, his curiosity unmistakable. “You don’t find that intriguing?”

Luke gave a half-shrug, though his eyes also flickered with interest. “I noticed it too. She doesn’t seem like the usual social climber, though. A bit too genuine. But, you know, Kingsleys are trouble. She might’ve just made a big mistake.”

Liam narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. “Maybe... or maybe she’s just as much a mystery as he is. There’s something about her. I don’t think she’s in it for the politics. But whatever it is, it’s enough to get Kingsley’s attention.”

Luke chuckled, setting his drink down. “You always did love unraveling a puzzle.”

Liam’s curiosity deepened as he considered the possibilities. “She didn’t flinch when I walked over. Most people would’ve been uncomfortable being mistaken for a Westwood’s date. She barely blinked. It’s like she knows how to handle herself, even around us.”

Luke straightened, the casual air fading slightly as his own interest piqued. “Maybe she’s used to dealing with people like us. Or maybe she’s hiding something.” He paused, his gaze shifting towards the ballroom doors where Charlotte had left. “We should keep an eye on her. Figure out what her deal is. The last thing we need is some outsider getting involved with the Kingsleys and making things worse.”

Liam nodded, the gears in his mind already turning. “Agreed. Let’s see what she’s really about.”

Before they could dive further into their musings, a loud clack of high heels interrupted their conversation. Kianna, their cousin, stormed toward them, her face flushed with embarrassment and anger. Her usual poised demeanor was gone, replaced with frustration.

“Can you believe the nerve of him?” she snapped, glaring at the twins.

Liam raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her theatrics. “What’s this about now?”

“Asher,” Kianna spat the name as though it left a bitter taste in her mouth. “I tried to talk to him, be charming, and he had the audacity to brush me off! And all because of that girl!”

Luke’s expression darkened slightly at the mention of Asher. “What girl?” he asked, even though he already had a good guess.

“That... nobody,” Kianna huffed, folding her arms. “Charlotte. The one who was mistaken for Liam’s date. Asher was completely uninterested in talking to me because of her.”

Liam exchanged a knowing glance with Luke before turning his attention back to Kianna. “Sounds like you’re jealous, cousin.”

Kianna shot him a glare. “Don’t patronize me, Liam. I’ve known Asher since we were kids. We have history. This girl—Charlotte, whoever she is—doesn’t belong here. She doesn’t even know our world. Why would he pay attention to someone like her?”

Luke, ever the calm observer, leaned back in his chair. “Maybe she’s not as out of place as you think. She handled herself pretty well for someone who ‘doesn’t belong.’”

Kianna scoffed, brushing off his remark. “Please. She’s clearly trying to worm her way into this circle. Probably trying to cozy up to the Kingsleys for some sort of advantage. You know how those types are.”

Liam, always the more strategic of the twins, tilted his head. “Or maybe it’s simpler than that. Maybe Asher just finds her... refreshing. Not everyone in this world is looking to gain something.”

Kianna rolled her eyes. “You’re giving her too much credit, Liam. She’s nobody. But if Asher thinks he can brush me off for someone like her...”

Luke, sensing the impending drama, shook his head. “Kianna, leave it alone. Asher isn’t exactly known for his warmth. Besides, getting tangled up in whatever that is won’t help you. You’re better than that.”

But Kianna was too far gone in her anger and bruised pride to listen. “I won’t be ignored by him. And I certainly won’t let some random girl take what should be mine. Asher and I belong together.”

Liam, smirking at his cousin’s determination, spoke calmly. “If you’re that invested in him, then be smarter about it. Don’t let your jealousy blind you.”

Kianna narrowed her eyes at him. “Oh, I’m not blind, Liam. I see perfectly well what’s going on. But trust me, this girl won’t last long. Asher will come to his senses.”

With that, she spun on her heel and marched away, her confidence only slightly restored.

Luke sighed, watching her retreat. “She’s going to make things worse, isn’t she?”

Liam shrugged, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Probably. But let’s see how it plays out. We’ve got a new player in the game, and something tells me things are about to get very interesting.”

Luke nodded thoughtfully. “And what about you? You seemed pretty curious about Charlotte.”

Liam’s eyes gleamed with intrigue. “I am. And I’ll figure out what her story is soon enough.”

The two brothers shared a silent understanding, knowing that the night’s events had set off a ripple that could change the dynamics of both the Westwood and Kingsley families. But for now, they would watch, wait, and unravel the mystery that was Charlotte