Page 206 of Poison Aches

Within seconds, three extra chairs and place settings are added to the table.

And then, Governor Hughes, his wife, and daughter are led to the table.

Annoyed, I realize this is Emmett’s doing.

“Mr. Beaumont,” Governor Hughes starts as he shakes George’s hand. “Thank you for the invite and for inviting me and my family to the main table.”

Beverly and Melissa both give me withering glares from where they stand.

“Compliments of Mr. Easton,” George says simply. Not polite, not rude…he’s just indifferent.

It’s then that I realize both George and Emmett are so different from the boys I grew up having water fights with back in Westbrook Blues.

Here, they are both grown men that yield power.

Not just any power…but immense power and influence that is beyond what is known or acceptable.

I can tell this event is not ordinary.

When Melissa suddenly burst into the room I was stuck in, telling me her father wanted me to join them for an event, I never thought I would meet both Emmett and Vaughn here, but also George, who so happens to be the head of this.

No one really knows what George has been up to, but looking at him now, how stoic, poised, and ruthless he looks, something’s up.

“Mr. Easton,” Governor Hughes starts as he looks to George’s right, only to stop short when both Vaughn and Emmett look at him. “Oh, both of you are here.”

I scoff.

He’s acting like he didn’t see them and wasn’t itching to approach them earlier but for some reason, the moment Jackson appeared, shadows appeared.

Shadows that only admitted Vaughn, George, and finally Emmett to get close to me.

Everyone else seemed to be unable to get close or maybe that was just my imagination.

“Governor,” Vaughn finally responds when Emmett looks away, clearly and rudely dismissing my father as he pours himself a glass of water. “You’re the man of the hour with your expanding family. Please, join us.”

“Joining the two most influential families to ever exist? How can I decline?” Governor Hughes says with a proud smile on his face.

You can practically see the dollar signs in his eyes as he stares at Emmett, Vaughn, and George.

“The auction is about to start, please,” George says as he gestures toward the empty chairs.

After Governor Hughes and his family settle down, I’m subject to Beverly’s and Melissa’s matching glares.

“Ivy,” Beverly starts. “We brought you here, but it seems you’re already well connected.”

“Yes, I’m confused about that,” Melissa starts, with an unhappy look on her face. “How on earth do the Eastons and the heir of the Phoenix Corp know this girl?”

I look at her as the MC starts the program on the stage.

“Who are you?” George asks sharply, coldly, to which Melissa’s eyes widen. “Knowing Ivy is a pleasure and honor not many in this world have the privilege of having, but who the fuck are you?”

“I… I’m…” she stutters as fear enters her eyes…just like Jackson a few moments ago.

There’s something sinister about the three men around me that is incredibly unnerving, even grown men were actively steering clear of them.

“She can’t speak?” George insults, and then he starts casually scrolling on his phone.

Beside me, Vaughn is dying with silent laughter.

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