The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 41

Aveline

He extended his hand toward me with exaggerated gallantry, his eyes roaming over my figure in a way that made me want to shower.

"I'm Dwayne Blackwell," he announced, as if his name should mean something significant. Then he turned to Orion and slapped him on the shoulder with false familiarity. "Hey there, cousin! Fancy seeing you here at Grandpa's little shindig."

The pieces clicked into place immediately. Dwayne Blackwell—the family's black sheep that everyone at Arlington Academy whispered about. The son of Orion's uncle, who'd tried to challenge Orion's position as heir when his father disappeared. From what I'd heard, Orion had crushed that challenge through sheer competence and business acumen, leaving Dwayne to drift through life as a professional playboy with no real purpose.

Orion's jaw was so tight I thought it might crack. "Dwayne. I thought you were in Miami this week."

"Changed my plans when I heard about the old man's party," Dwayne replied with a grin that was all predatory charm. "Couldn't miss the chance to see what new... talent... you've been keeping to yourself." His gaze returned to me with renewed interest. "So, cousin, aren't you going to introduce me to your stunning companion?"

"This is Ms. Reeves," Orion said coldly. "Ryan's teacher from Arlington Academy."

Dwayne's eyes immediately took on a different gleam—one that made my stomach turn. "A teacher, huh?" He stepped closer, completely ignoring the warning tension radiating from Orion. "From that fancy preschool? Oh, I've definitely had some... encounters with teachers from there. Very... educational experiences, if you know what I mean."

He laughed at his own crude joke, then leaned in conspiratorially. "Let me tell you, those academy girls really know how to have a good time. Especially when the price is right. Money talks, and honey, these ladies definitely listen."

I immediately moved to cover Ryan's ears with my hands, horrified that he was being exposed to this vulgarity.

That was apparently the last straw for Orion. In one swift motion, he stepped forward and shoved Dwayne backward hard enough to make him stumble.

"Get away from us," Orion said, his voice carrying enough venom to kill. "This is Grandfather's birthday celebration, not your personal hunting ground. Show some respect or get out."

Dwayne straightened his suspenders with exaggerated nonchalance, but I could see the flash of genuine fear in his eyes. Whatever power dynamics existed between these cousins, Dwayne clearly knew better than to push too far.

"Easy there, Orion," he said, backing away with his hands raised in mock surrender. "Just trying to be friendly. No need to get all territorial." He shot me one last leering look. "But seriously, Doc, if you ever get tired of my uptight cousin here, you know where to find me."

With that parting shot, he sauntered away, rejoining his gaggle of admirers who had been watching the entire exchange with obvious interest.

The moment he was gone, I removed my hands from Ryan's ears. The little boy looked up at me with wide, confused eyes.

"Why did you cover my ears, Miss Aveline?"

"Sometimes grown-ups say things that aren't very nice," I explained gently. "I didn't want you to hear words that might hurt your feelings."

Ryan nodded solemnly, apparently satisfied with this explanation, but I could see Orion watching me with something that looked like gratitude.

"I apologize for that," he said quietly. "Dwayne has always been... problematic."

Before I could respond, the sound system crackled to life with an announcement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats. Our guest of honor, Mr. Bryce Blackwell, is ready to make his grand entrance!"

The ballroom buzzed with excitement as guests hurried to find their assigned tables. Orion guided me to what was clearly the family table at the front of the room, pulling out my chair with practiced courtesy.

Moments later, the lights dimmed and a spotlight illuminated the main entrance. Bryce Blackwell made his entrance like a seasoned performer, and I had to bite back a laugh at the sight.

He was wearing a hot pink velvet dinner jacket over black trousers, with a silk pocket square that matched his jacket and enough jewelry to stock a small boutique. His silver hair was styled in an elaborate pompadour that defied both gravity and good taste, and he moved with the swagger of a man half his age. Despite the lines that years had etched across his face, everything about his posture and movement screamed youthful energy.

I couldn't help but stare in amazement. This man was definitely related to Orion—I could see the family resemblance in the bone structure—but their personalities were clearly from different planets.

"My dear friends!" Bryce called out, spreading his arms wide as he approached the microphone. "I do apologize for my tardiness, but you know how women can be. It took every ounce of my considerable charm to escape their clutches tonight!"

Ryan tugged on my sleeve, his small face scrunched with confusion. "Miss Aveline, what does Great-Grandpa mean about women?"

I glanced between Bryce's theatrical performance and Dwayne, who was now openly leering at several female guests from across the room. *A playboy uncle and a mischievous old rascal for a great-grandfather,* I thought to myself with amusement. *Poor Ryan, with genetics like these, the kid's got quite the uphill battle ahead of him.*

"Your great-grandpa is just saying that women are so wonderful and charming that it's hard to leave their company," I said diplomatically, ruffling Ryan's hair. "He thinks very highly of ladies."

Bryce continued his speech, clearly enjoying being the center of attention. "Speaking of women, there are actually two ladies I'm particularly interested in meeting tonight. Now, don't misunderstand—this is perfectly innocent curiosity!" He winked at the crowd, earning chuckles from the audience.

"First, I had the pleasure of glimpsing my precious great-grandson's teacher, Miss Aveline, from afar. And I must say, the reports of her beauty and grace were not exaggerated."

I felt my cheeks burn as every head in the room turned toward me. I managed what I hoped was a gracious smile while internally cringing at being singled out.

"But," Bryce continued with obvious excitement, "I'm even more eager to meet the young lady from the Hartwell dynasty. Such an illustrious family legacy!"