The Wrong Brother

Chapter 1

The Girl Who Came Back

"Some people return with apologies.

Others return with engagement rings."

The Hayes Estate glittered beneath thousands of crystal lights.

Black luxury cars lined the circular driveway while photographers crowded behind velvet ropes.

The annual Hayes Foundation Gala.

The biggest event of the year.

Politicians.

Hollywood celebrities.

CEOs.

Royal descendants.

Everyone who mattered...

was here.

Inside the ballroom, a string quartet played softly beneath an enormous chandelier.

Champagne flowed freely.

Laughter echoed through the room.

Everything looked perfect.

Exactly how the Hayes family liked it.

"Adrian."

He didn't bother turning around.

He already knew the voice.

"You actually showed up."

Adrian Hayes took a slow sip of whiskey before glancing sideways at his older sister.

Victoria Hayes stood beside him in a midnight-blue gown, looking as flawless as every magazine cover she'd ever appeared on.

She smiled politely.

Only her eyes were cold.

"I'm surprised," she continued.

"I thought you'd embarrass the family by staying home."

Adrian smirked.

"I almost did."

"You should've."

She straightened his tie without asking.

"Try not to ruin Ethan's announcement tonight."

"I'm not the one who enjoys being the center of attention."

"No."

Victoria looked him up and down.

"You just become the center of every scandal."

She walked away before he could answer.

Adrian watched her disappear into the crowd.

Same as always.

Not a single conversation with his family lasted more than a minute before becoming another reminder that he didn't belong.

"Ignore her."

Adrian smiled slightly.

Only one person ever said those words.

Ethan Hayes.

His older brother.

Perfectly tailored tuxedo.

Perfect smile.

Perfect life.

"You okay?" Ethan asked.

"I'm fine."

"You've been 'fine' since you were fifteen."

Adrian chuckled.

"You make me sound old."