Chapter 276 The Destructive Power of a Brother-in-law
Burl staggered back two steps.
His shock was palpable. “Hu... Husband? Ashton, when did you get married? No, when did you even date? Weren't you perpetually single?"
"In our family, aside from the little ones, you're the only one still single!" Ashton said tenderly. "No worries, you're still young, no rush."
Burl was shocked.
He had two sisters, both beautiful and successful career women, his pride and joy.
Now, in just a few short days, one had been swept away by her child's father!
And the other had a whirlwind wedding!
"I'll take lunch to him," Kenny said gently. "Is he awake?"
"Yes," Fiona nodded.
Kenny then headed off first.
After seeing Kenny leave, Burl burst out, "How could you guys do this without discussing it with anyone? You could have at least... at least brought him home to meet us first!"
"Get over it, kid," Ashton clicked her tongue.
"He looks like such a player!" Burl fumed.
"What did he say about Darwin before?" Ashton nudged Fiona's shoulder, then answered herself, "Called Darwin the classic player-type face, right?"
"Stop teasing him," Fiona managed to suppress her laughter.
Of course, she knew Burl's urgency wasn't about having a crush on either her or Ashton.
Over the years, they had all become family.
His attitude was more like a brother reluctant to see his sisters marry, always finding fault with his brothers-in-law.
"Forget it! No matter what I think, you don't care. I'll just go back to Charles and Chicago; do whatever you want!"
Burl was genuinely upset.
Huffing and puffing, he didn't listen to Ashton calling after him and stormed off like a firecracker.
Already dissatisfied with Darwin, and now an unexpected brother-in-law straight out of a soap opera was dropped into the mix—unbearable!
"Bet Burl's going to lose it at our wedding," Ashton mused with her arms folded as she watched Burl's retreating figure, noting his hair was so long it fluttered in the breeze...
"Just don't let him run off with the bride," Fiona linked arms with Ashton. "Didn't I tell you not to come over every day? Aren't you tired?"
"I'm not tired, especially with my personal chauffeur." Ashton put on a caricature of eagerness.
Fiona's laughter was genuine. But deep down, a shadow loomed over her thoughts.
Anniston...
The quaint little house was a gift from Darwin to Ashton; she had handled all the paperwork herself.
A car crash, then a second explosion.
Owing Darwin twice now for saving her life, FIona felt the weight of that debt.
Back in the hospital room, Kenny had already laid out the food from the takeout boxes.
"Where's Burl?" He asked.
"Off getting a haircut," Fiona replied.
"I thought that shaggy do was part of his rebellious phase," Kenny said with a chuckle.
Fiona responded earnestly, "You know, Kenny, Burl is actually only a year younger than you." She then glanced at Ashton.
It was known that Kenny was younger than Ashton.
But what could she say?
Put Burl on one side of a scale, and it felt like Ashton had lured away a child.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Ashton was on guard. "If anyone's the culprit, it's him that lured me!"
Wasn't it tempting, all that wealth laid before her?
"I didn't say anything about luring," Fiona said with a shrug.
"Your eyes did! And I understand perfectly!" Ashton was certain.
Fiona was speechless.
Kenny looked at Ashton with a smile as adoration spilled from his tender gaze.
"Sis, it's true I'm the one who did the luring," he said with a smile.
Fiona, who hadn't started eating yet, felt like she'd been force-fed a mouthful of affection.
Ashton's cheeks turned a rosy shade of red, her pride unmistakably visible.
Fiona felt reassured.
Lately, Ashton seemed to exude confidence you could practically see.
Just then, Darwin took Fiona's hand.
Fiona turned, "What's up?"
Darwin hesitated but finally just shook his head.
The four of them shared a pleasant lunch.
Ashton had things to do and didn't linger long after the meal; she got ready to leave with Fiona seeing her out.
Carrying Ashton's bag, Kenny followed behind.
Fiona and Ashton whispered to each other as they walked ahead.
"I checked into it—the autopsy confirmed she drowned, and the cops found her suicide note in the phone memos, saying she had lost hope after her son's betrayal," Ashton murmured to Fiona.
"Right," Fiona nodded, "things are messy lately. Stay alert."
"Don't worry," Ashton patted Fiona's hand, "I'll treat you to a cupcake tonight if I find the time."
"Spend some time with Mr. Walker tonight," Fiona tapped Ashton's nose playfully, "silly."
Ashton pouted and touched her nose, "Fiona, you don't appreciate me. I love you, and you call me silly!"
Kenny trailed behind, his brows twitching ever so slightly at her declaration of love.
"You know—"
Fiona was exasperated, feeling like Ashton was squandering her potential.
Lately, Ashton didn't even stay at home. Her place was a hive of activity with kids, seniors, a nanny, and a bodyguard filling the space.
"Why doesn't Kenny just drive you directly to his own place? Isn't that more sensible?" Fiona groused, her hands on her hips.
"You guys are married, after all. Isn't living together just a matter of time?" She added with a huff.
Kenny was at his wit's end while Ashton seemed clueless about the whole thing, floating through her days as if she had all the time in the world.
On the bright side, the days had been blessed with sunshine.
Exiting the elevator, Ashton and Kenny fell into an easy conversation about renovating the old house.
As they left the VIP clinic, the crowd began to swell. This hospital was a magnet for the wealthy, its doctors were reputed to be the best. However, the steep consultation fees and the long appointment wait times were notorious, and the costs for hospital stays and treatments were equally extravagant.
Since that night when they walked together in the early hours around the neighborhood, Kenny had taken to holding Ashton's hand whenever they were out. It had felt awkward for her at first, but now it had become second nature.
In fact, she would even play absentmindedly with his fingers while listening to him talk.
"Speaking of that guy, Burl," Kenny changed the subject.
Ashton quickly reassured him, "Don't overthink it. He's really like a younger brother. His animosity to you is just the natural kind, like a brother-in-law might have."
"I get it. Feels like I'm not good enough for you," Kenny summarized succinctly.
Ashton shot him a bright, playful smile, "Mr. Walker, you sure know how to sum things up."
"It wasn't a formal introduction today, just a chance meeting. I'll prepare a gift for him next time," Kenny said, not letting Burl's hostility bother him.
It was just what a good brother-in-law would do.
As Kenny's words trailed off, his gaze moved forward, and the smile slowly faded from his face.
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