Unmasking The Mafia

Chapter 36

Michael glances at you, his expression betraying a hint of annoyance. He clearly wasn't expecting to see you here. Before he can respond, William cuts in.

"I invited him here."

There's a hint of defiance in William's voice, as if challenging you to question his decision.

"What? And I didn't know about this?"

William sighs, irritation clearly visible in his eyes. He glances at you, then back at Michael, who stands silently with a smug expression. He looks like he's enjoying the tension in the room.

"I didn't tell you because I knew how you'd react."

You scoff, "he's 25, William. You can't just ask him to come here at Crasmere."

You notice William's jaw clench at your words, and his expression hardens. He's clearly frustrated with your resistance, but he's trying to keep his voice steady. He glances at Michael, as if silently asking him to keep quiet.

"This is my house, love. My land. And I invited him here. It's not your decision to make."

You glare at him for a moment before looking at Michael, "do mom and dad know you're here?"

Your brother grins at the question, clearly enjoying the conflict. He takes a step closer to you, a swagger in his step.

"Of course they know. Dad isn't exactly happy about it, but he's not going to do anything about it."

He glances at William, who remains standing by the fireplace, his expression dark and tense.

You notice the swagger in Michael's step and narrows your eyes.

"Are you drunk?"

Michael shrugs nonchalantly, his grin widening, "maybe a bit. Might have had a few pints before I came here."

William sighs, clearly annoyed by Michael's drunken demeanor. He shoots you another look, wordlessly pleading with you to stay calm.

Your face hardens, your grip on Ethan's arm tightening slightly, and look at William, "would you mind telling me what my brother is doing here yet?"

William hesitates for a moment before finally speaking.

"I asked him here to... discuss some business matters."

Michael snorts at that, rolling his eyes. It's clear he doesn't take William's 'business matters' seriously at all.

"Then why call me downstairs at all?"

William sighs, clearly frustrated with the situation but trying to keep his cool. He glances at Michael, then back at you, his gaze hardening.

"Because I knew you wouldn't want him here. And I wanted you to understand that I-"

Michael cuts him off, taking a step closer to you.

"And why wouldn't she want me here? Can't a brother visit his beloved sister and nephew?"

William's expression darkens further at Michael's mocking tone. He takes a step forward, putting himself between you and Michael, as if trying to shield you from the provocation. He shoots Michael a stern look.

"Watch yourself, Mike. You know full well why she wouldn't want you here."

You're about to cut in but Ethan's tug on your arm diverts your attention from the tension between William and Michael. You look at Ethan, seeing the slight fear in his eyes.

William shoots you a brief, relieved look as you exit the room with Ethan, grateful that you're getting him away from the tense situation. Michael looks disappointed and frustrated, but he doesn't try to stop you.