Why are you back?

"Ashton," Donovan greeted, his voice full of tight loathing, he looked at Layla, "Ashton's friend."

Layla didn't even respond to being greeted so rudely, she took a dainty sip of champagne and then looked around curiously. 

"Could have sworn I heard a pig fart," She exclaimed, "But I don't see anyone."

Donovan clenched his jaw and a vein jumped in his forehead, "I'm right here!"

But Layla continued peering around as if she didn't hear him at all.

Considering he didn't even spare Emmaline a glance, she was quite tempted to join in and talk about pigs farting with Layla. 

"Donovan, I didn't realise you were answering to pig farts now," Ashton remarked snarkily. 

It was only due to her acting training that Emmaline kept a straight face. 

Donovan had really said he was here when Layla said she heard a pig fart! Emmaline swallowed her laughter and studied Donovan Wright. 

Since she read that Ashton was an only child, Donovan must be a cousin. She frowned, but Donovan was not a name that had shown up when she was researching the entire Wright family. 

"Just because you're the golden boy now, doesn't mean that you'll always have it all," Donovan threatened.

Emmaline looked to Ashton for his reaction but clearly, he was so used to it that his facial expression didn't even change a single bit. 

He blinked slowly, as if he was bored, then he ignored the threat altogether, "Why are you back? Wanted to celebrate with us?"

Donovan scoffed, annoyance showing in every single movement of his. 

Just as the other party guests had recognized Layla and knew she was Ashton's best friend, some of them had recognized Donovan and were whispering amongst themselves. 

Emmaline heard snatches of the hushed conversations, catching words like 'exiled' and 'revenge' and 'bastard'. 

Maybe Donovan was Ashton's unrecognized half brother?

Thinking about just how much Damon and Sienna loved each other, Emmaline quickly dismissed that theory. 

But whatever it was, Donovan wasn't welcome here and was determined to make things ugly for everyone. 

As Donovan and Ashton exchanged more cutting words, Emmaline scrutinized Donovan. 

Although he looked as if he was wearing branded clothing just as everyone else was, up close, Emmaline could tell the difference. 

She could see that his shoes were scuffed and no matter how hard he had tried to hide it, they were definitely old.

Squinting at his shirt, she remembered her mother having clothes from that very brand and showing her the unique style of stitching that differentiated this brand from all the others. 

Even his watch was no longer running even though it was likely real. 

"Tell your pervert boyfriend to stop checking me out," Donovan snapped. 

Ashton, who had remained blase throughout his entire discussion with Donovan so far, lifted his eyebrows. 

Immediately, the temperature seemed to drop and his face had darkened so much that Emmaline could definitely see how he was called the ruthless prince of Wright Enterprises. 

Without Ashton even having to say a word, Donovan had paled and taken a step back. 

But he still refused to apologize. 

Ashton's expression grew more thunderous. 

Not wanting another scene or to spoil what was meant to be a happy occasion Emmaline decided that it was best to shut this down and fast. 

"Why would I bother checking you out when I'm dating Ashton?" Emmaline asked faux innocently, she made a show of looking between the two men, "Have you seen him? Why would I even look at anyone else?"

Ashton was looking at her in surprise. 

Layla let out a full blown cackle. 

"I was just wondering if you knew that your Dior shirt is fake," She stated bluntly, not in the mood for anymore games, "You should go and fire the person who sold it to you."

Donovan, who had been blustering with her earlier insult and about to argue, snapped his mouth closed so fast that there was an audible click. 

He looked a bit lost, frowning and searching for something else to insult as his eyes raked up and down Emmaline. 

"You're one to talk, everything you wear is cheap," Donovan spat. 

Ashton stepped between them, hiding Emmaline completely from Donovan, "Em is a guest here, no matter what he wears. You are not, no matter what you wear."

Donovan opened his mouth to say something else but Ashton stepped closer. He was taller than Donovan and loomed over him easily. 

"Em is precious because of who he is as a person," Ashton sounded ice cold as he forced Donovan to stare up at him, "What he wears doesn't change that. If you ever even look at him again, I'll get a restraining order."

As if on cue, a couple of security guards arrived but didn't touch Donovan. 

His upper lip curled, "I can see myself out."

Ashton didn't even answer, he just gave a small jerk of his chin as a dismissal. 

Donovan started to leave but paused, "You think no one else finds it strange you suddenly come up with a serious boyfriend when everyone knows you need to marry to inherit?"

Emmaline felt herself freeze involuntarily. 

This was the closest anyone had come to calling them out. 

Ashton remained unfazed. 

His expression didn't change, he didn't make any movement at all.

As if nothing Donovan said could bother him. 

He flicked those green eyes once at the guards and they finally began to haul Donovan away. 

"You won't inherit that easily, Ashton!" Donovan shouted as he was dragged away.

"You okay?" Ashton turned to Emmaline. 

Gone was the indifferent mask that he had previously worn. 

Genuine concern filled his eyes as he tilted Emmaline's chin to look at her. 

"I'm fine, are you?" Emmaline searched his face for signs of distress but he seemed unshaken. 

"I'm not fine, thanks for asking," Layla interjected cheerfully. She slung one arm around each of them, "Let's go get some food."

But even when they sat down, Emmaline couldn't get Donovan's words out of her head. 

She couldn't let anyone suspect their relationship. 

"So you're the boyfriend everyone is talking about," An older lady seated next to her exclaimed. 

She was decked to the nines with a crystal timepiece, a huge diamond on her finger and everything that was the latest season, with the skirt being fresh off the runway. 

Despite the event being casual today, she had spared no effort and ended up looking a bit overdressed. 

It didn't matter, Emmaline just knew that she was Ashton's third aunt and that was the most important thing. 

As Ashton sat down next to her, Emmaline casually leaned into him, "Yes, I am."

The real test was only just beginning.