The Billionaire's Twins Play Matchmaker novel Chapter 70

Marilynn sighed as she grabbed another glass of champagne. Her thick mane of brown hair had been straightened and highlighted to give her a lighter, trendier hairstyle. She wore a bright red dress with a low cut front and back. It seemed such a waste to show off her new look here but she hadn’t been able to talk her way out of it.

In the past Ava always accompanied their mother to boring charity events. Even without her Marilynn was usually able to avoid them if she complained loud enough but lately her father had been in a bad mood. Though he refused to explain the details it was obvious he had lost out on some big deal. It didn’t seem fair her social life suffered because of that but here she was drinking alone while her mother talked to one useless person after another.

When they first arrived they heard a rumor Silas Prescott arrived with a date, and not just any date, but a woman he claimed to be his fiancée. Marilynn was immediately intrigued but their informant couldn’t tell them more. Wanting to see the woman who finally landed the city’s hottest bachelor Marilynn went in search of the man himself. To her disappointment he stood alone speaking to some business associates. She hadn’t the nerve to approach him and Marilynn shrugged off the rumor.

Changing out her empty class for another Marilynn suddenly froze not believing her eyes. A short distance away was a small group. In the center was a petite brunette in a classy silver gown. As the woman turned Marilynn was struck speechless…Ava?

It had been some ten years since she last saw her sister. It was right after the incident in the hotel. Thanks to Marilynn’s little joke Ava had been kicked out of the house and disowned. Even she had been surprised by the severity of their father’s reaction. Ava disappeared forever shamed much to Marilynn’s glee. How then was her sister standing in front of her in a dress Marilynn hadn’t been able to afford? And why was everyone fawning over her like she was a princess?

Marilynn’s shock gave way to anger and she strutted toward the group ready to settle the score once and for all. Reaching Ava she loudly declared, “Well, well, look what the cat dragged in.”

Startled Ava turned. Her green eyes met those of her sister with a shocked expression but this faded almost immediately. Ava’s gaze dulled in resignation. This wasn’t a confrontation she expected tonight but perhaps it was unavoidable.

“And just what do you think you are doing here?” Marilynn demanded. “This is an exclusive event. It’s not for a disgraced woman who embarrassed her own family and was kicked out.”

“You would be the expert on disgraceful behavior,” Ava answered neutrally.

“What was that? Oh I see, you have a mouth now huh? It seems you have forgotten your place.”

“Excuse me. Is there a problem?” a gentleman in a maroon suit approached. The red suit indicated he was part of the event’s staff.

“Yes we have a problem,” Marilynn practically shouted, “it seems any tramp off the street can wander in here.”

Ava blushed at her sister’s crude language. The women she had been pleasantly talking to shared uncomfortable looks but they were unwilling to inject their support for either sister. Beside her Tracy was fuming no doubt ready to leap in but Ava would rather avoid causing a bigger scene.

“Excuse me, miss,” the man turned to Ava. “May I see your invitation?”

“We weren’t asked for one at the door,” Ava said.

“Everyone is required to show their invitation,” the man said.

“Then my fiancée has it. You’d have to ask him.”

“Like anyone would marry you!” Marilynn laughed. “Talk about shameless.”

“I’m sorry miss but without an invitation I’ll have to ask you to leave,” the man grasped Ava’s arm. Removing her was the quickest way to bring a conclusion to the uproar that was disturbing the guests.

Marilynn smirked but was surprised by the glare Ava gave her. In all the years she had known her sister Ava had always been meek and acquiesced to her sister’s whims.

“I suggest you take your hand off of me before you have a real problem,” Ava said calmly and firmly making the man hesitate.

“You heard her,” a commanding male voice startled all of them.

They turned to see Silas had quietly approached forewarned by Thomas that there was trouble. He hadn’t expected Marilynn Carlisle to attend a charity event since she tended to avoid them. His blue eyes were cold and like daggers as he stared at Ava’s sister and tormentor.

“Mister Prescott,” the man hesitated, “I-I’m sorry for the disturbance. I was just taking care of it now.”

“Bold words for someone man-handling another’s fiancée.” Silas glared at him.

The man hesitated before realizing he was still gripping Ava’s arm. Nervously glancing back at Silas there was no doubting his murderous gaze. Immediately letting her go, the man stepped back. The host mentioned something about ensuring Silas Prescott and his fiancée were properly cared for throughout the evening but he hadn’t actually seen the couple himself.

Silas stepped forward claiming Ava by wrapping an arm around her waist. He kissed her temple, “Ava, are you all right? Did he hurt you?”

“No.” Ava shook her head. “I’m fine.”

“Good.” Silas turned his attention to Marilynn who stood in utter shock. “It seems the standards of this Gala have dropped if they allow such a vagrant in…but one can hardly expect class from a Carlisle.”

Marilynn snapped her mouth shut blushing. She opened her mouth to reply but closed it again. What exactly was going on? Did he actually claim Ava as his fiancée? How in the world did she manage that? And why was he acting so tender with Ava? Wasn’t he supposed to be cold and calculating?

“I suggest you monitor your invite list more carefully in the future,” Silas glared at the man. “Ava there’s someone I want to introduce you to.”

“Of course. Please excuse us,” Ava smiled at the women with whom she had been visiting. “It was a pleasure speaking to all of you.”

“The pleasure was ours.”

“We’ll catch up later.”

“Have a pleasant evening.”

Their well wishes trailed after them as they walked away. Giving Marilynn disapproving looks the group disbanded to spread the word about the amicable nature of Silas’s fiancée. They had been apprehensive at first but they were pleasantly surprised by her gentle demeanor. Even more surprising was how warm and gentle Silas acted toward his soon-to-be wife.