The Golden Boy’s Hidden Brother
But Savannah, Savy, pressed her hand flat onto the lid of my luggage. Where are you going so late?
Hes back. Its time I stepped aside.
Before she could respond, my in-laws were already making their presence known.
Nonsense! Mr. Winston Weston, my father-in-law, grabbed the handle of my Tumi and dragged it back toward the main hall.
Mrs. Caroline Weston, my mother-in-law, clutched my arm with both hands. Our family recognizes only one son-in-law, Dean. Thats you.
Savy laughed, a soft, familiar sound, and wrapped her arms around my waist, hugging me tight. Silly. I forgot Garrett years ago. I only love you now.
I, however, found myself staring blankly, mentally drafting a list of all the ways I knew Garrett Maxwell would inevitably try to frame me:
Taunt me about being a stand-in.
Splash wine on himself at a dinner party and accuse me.
Feigning a fall down the main staircase to blame me.
The Westons gasped, the sound sharp and collective. Caroline immediately pulled out her phone and snapped a photo of the list, sending it to her Chief of Staff.
Effective tomorrow, the entire house is to be fitted with discrete surveillance devices and GoPros, she instructed, her voice crisp.
Savy looked at the last point on the list, a wry smile touching her lips.
If you hadnt used a little dramatic flair to get my attention back then I might not have gotten over Garrett so quickly. Relax, Dean. Hes a good person. He would never hurt you.
This misplaced faith was my life, exactly.
And then I met Garrett Maxwell.
You must be Dean Sullivan, the younger husband? Garrett offered, his smile easy and radiating the kind of natural charm only inherited wealth can buy. You know, you actually look quite a bit like me. Savy, youve done well for yourself.
1
The moment Garretts words hung in the air, Winston, Caroline, and Savy all froze.
I sighed internally, giving Savy a look that said, See? Told you so. Prediction number one.
Yet, the moment stretched, and Garretts expression softened. He walked closer, placing a warm, seemingly genuine hand on my shoulder.
My apologies, Dean. I meant that Savy is lucky to have married such a handsome husband. You two are a very good match.
His tone was sincere, his eyes warm and guileless. It was enough to make me momentarily dizzy.
The Golden Boy was not following the script.
Savy leaned into me, her breath warm against my ear. See? I told you you were overthinking it. Garrett is a genuinely good man. He wont make things difficult.
The relief on my in-laws faces was palpable. Caroline patted my hand.
Dean, dear, youre just too sensitive. Let it go. We only see you as our son-in-law.
Halfway through the reception, I excused myself to the powder room, needing a moment to collect my frazzled nerves.
In the hallway, I ran straight into Savys former mentee, Miles Jennings.
Miles had always treated me with thinly veiled hostility, and his eyes now held blatant scorn.
Well, well. If it isnt the understudy husband.
He leaned against the wall, sizing me up with a sneer.
The leading man is back in town. How do you still have the nerve to show your face? If it were me, Id have taken the hint and been halfway out of the state already.
I glanced at him, my gaze deliberately cold.
Youre awfully concerned with my departure, Miles. Is it possible youre just jealous Im the one who married Savy?
Miless face immediately flushed a furious red. He clenched his jaw.
You! Fine, Dean Sullivan. Just you wait.
Later, I decided to grab a glass of wine and step out onto the balcony for some fresh air.
As I approached the buffet table, Garrett was a few feet away, his back to me, engaged in polite conversation with a group of older guests. I tried to slip past, but suddenly, a sharp, hard shove landed between my shoulder blades.
Ah! I gasped, my body lurching forward. The red wine in my hand flew up in an arc, landing precisely on Garretts expensive, bespoke white suit. A crimson stain instantly bloomed across his chest.
The room went silent.
Garrett stared down at the ruined fabric, his face draining of color.
Guests immediately turned, the low hum of conversation dissolving into shocked whispers.
Dean!
Miless voice cut through the silence, sharp and accusatory. He rushed forward, his face a flawless mask of shock and outrage.
Youyou cant be so jealous of Garrett that youd deliberately throw wine on him in public! Thats unforgivable!
I staggered, catching my balance. I instantly recognized this clumsy setup. Miles had been the one to push me.
I took a deep breath, turning to Savy and her parents, who were now hurrying over, their expressions a mix of confusion and dismay.
It wasnt deliberate, I stated calmly, my eyes locked on Miles. Someone shoved me from behind.
Who shoved you? Everyone saw you walking straight toward Garrett with the glass in your hand!
Miles was relentless, his voice escalating with fake indignation.
Savy, Mr. and Mrs. Weston, you have to stand up for Garrett! This is completely unacceptable!
Savy looked at me, her expression complicated, a flicker of something that felt like judgment crossing her eyes. She then looked at the thoroughly humiliated Garrett, her brows knit tight with concern.
A hollow, sinking feeling settled in my gut.
Of course. When the Golden Boy is victimized, rational thought goes out the window.
I offered Savy a wry, bitter smile, leaning close to whisper.
See? Item number two on the list. Late, but right on time. Now, can you release my suitcase? Just let me leave.
The surrounding guests buzzed with open gossip:
The son-in-law is using such petty tactics? Hes so insecure.
Must be jealousy. The man is clearly green with envy. The stories about Savy and Garrett are legendary.
Shh, I heard Dean is just a stand-in
Silence!
Winstons voice boomed, cutting through the chatter.
Dean is not the type to do this! Until we have a clear explanation, no one is to jump to conclusions!
Caroline immediately gripped my hand, her voice ringing with determination.
Exactly! This entire area is covered by our security cameras. We will review the footage right now! Well find out whos behind this!
Just as the house manager prepared to follow the order, Garrett, who had been silently dabbing the stain on his suit, finally looked up.
He first shot a quick, indecipherable glance at Miles, then turned to me, his voice perfectly even and calm.
Mr. and Mrs. Weston, Savy, please, dont bother with the cameras.
He paused, ensuring he had everyones attention.
Just now I think someone accidentally bumped into Dean, and thats why he lost his grip on the glass. It was an accident, truly. He didnt mean it. Everyone, please, dont misunderstand him.
Miless eyes went wide with disbelief.
Garrett! But
Garrett cut him off gently but firmly.
Miles, I appreciate your concern, but it was just a fluke.
He then gave me a slightly strained, pale smile.
Dean, its fine. Its only a suit. Dont think another moment about it.
The truth had been glossed over, my immediate guilt erased, yet this act of kindness made me distrust the Golden Boy even more.
Savy visibly relaxed, pulling me close to her side. See? I told you Garrett was kind. He would never hold it against you. Caroline patted my back in a gesture of maternal reassurance.
I watched Garrett being led away by a server to deal with the stain, then glanced at Miless livid, miserable face. I felt no relief.
Garrett why didnt he take the easy path and frame me? Why did he protect me instead?
2
After Garrett Maxwells seemingly noble honesty and subsequent rescue, he secured the good graces of everyone in the Weston family, including my in-laws.
Caroline patted my arm.
Dean, darling, Garrett is such a respectable young man. You had it all wrong about him. You really must learn to be more generous.
Winston, reading the Wall Street Journal in the living room, added without looking up, He and Savy are old friends. He has nothing but good intentions. Stop being so paranoid.
Savy was the most relieved. As she tucked me in that night, she sighed, Now you can finally relax, right? I knew Garrett wasnt a bad guy.
But I couldn't relax. Staring at the ceiling after everyone was asleep, I pulled out my notebook.
I placed a small checkmark next to item number five: Everyone starts protecting Garrett; I am painted as irrational.
In the days that followed, Garrett became a fixture at the Weston estate.
He arrived promptly at nine, either with a rare-batch single-malt scotch for Winston or the Dutch orchids Caroline adored.
He and Savy would fall into easy conversation about their college days, laughing uproariously, only to stop the moment I approached. Garrett would turn and smile at me.
Dean, Savy was so clumsy back then. She once forgot the microphone for a big event, and I had to dash across campus to borrow one.
At dinner, hed serve me my favorite pan-seared halibut, murmuring,
Savy mentioned you have a sensitive stomach. Eat a little more.
His familiarity felt so natural, so intrinsic, it was as if he were the master of the house, and I was the guest.
My grip on my fork tightened until my knuckles were white. When Savy went to the home office, I followed her, my voice trembling.
Did you keep me here just so you could watch Garrett play the role of your husband?
Savy, who was flipping through a binder, froze. She turned, her eyes holding a flash of impatience.
Dean, are you having a breakdown? Do you have some kind of persecution complex? He moved on years ago. Why are you constantly dredging this up? Its exhausting.
She slammed the door shut behind her as she left.
The first major confrontation happened during the Sunday family meeting.
Winston tapped the mahogany desk, announcing that Weston Corp.s new overseas project required an experienced leader. Garrett walked in carrying a tray of iced tea, and as he set it down, he casually dropped a remark.
Its funny, I actually liaised with the Asian director of that specific financial group when I was in London. He mentioned he was looking for a trusted team to partner with.
Winstons eyes lit up. He turned to me.
Dean, why dont we have Garrett join the company and help out? His experience is directly relevant.
Absolutely not! I shot up from my chair.
We cant let an outsider handle a major corporate project. Hes
The words caught in my throat, strangled by Savys sudden, furious gaze.
Garretts eyes immediately welled up. He began anxiously twisting the corner of the apron he was still wearing.
Mr. Weston, Im so sorry. I shouldnt have brought it up. I just saw how tired Savy has been lately, and I wanted to help out. After all, years ago
He didnt finish the sentence, but his shoulders gave a delicate, dramatic shake, as if he were fighting back immense, undeserved sorrow.
Savys face hardened.
Dean! Garrett is a professional, and hes trying to help our family. Why are you suddenly so petty and jealous?
Caroline rushed to pull me back into my seat.
Dean, Garrett means well. Stop thinking the worst of him.
Looking at the room full of eyes siding with Garrett, I dug my fingernails deep into my palms.
That night, I added two more points to my list: He will use helping to infiltrate the company and He is an expert at feigning injury/victimhood to sway opinion.
But it didnt matter. I had already decided I was leaving.
Whatever game Garrett was playing, I would no longer be a pawn.
3
The next day, a sharp scream woke the entire house.
Caroline stumbled into the living room, hysterical, claiming the antique Art Deco sapphire and diamond necklacea family heirloom passed down for three generationswas missing from her jewelry box.
We tore the house apart, from the wine cellar to the garage, even searching the housekeepers quarters.
Finally, Savys assistant found the necklace, tucked away in a hidden compartment of my personal cufflink box.
Wrapped around the delicate chain was a single strand of my short, dark hair.
Caught red-handed. What a cheap, clumsy frame-up.
I couldnt believe I was facing this on the very day I planned to walk away.
Savy held the necklace, her knuckles white, looking at me like I was a stranger.
Dean, if you wanted jewelry, I would buy you anything. Why would you steal Moms heirloom? Its the most precious thing she owns!
It wasnt me! I said, my voice ice cold. Someone planted it. Garrett was in my room yesterday afternoon!
She recoiled, taking a hard step back.
Garrett was downstairs with Mom all afternoon, arranging flowers. He was never alone! Dean, will you please stop falsely accusing him?
I watched her silence, watched the deep disappointment in my in-laws eyes. My heart felt skewered by an ice pick.
At that moment, Garrett walked over, gently taking Carolines arm. He hesitated, clearly struggling with himself, before speaking softly.
Mr. and Mrs. Weston, Savy I think I saw Dean lingering by your jewelry room the day before yesterday Maybe it was just a moment of poor judgment. Please dont be too hard on him.
Winston slammed his fist onto the coffee table, making the teacups rattle.
Dean! Weve given you everything! We dont lack for money! How could you do something so shameful?
I let out a cold laugh.
Mom, Dad, you installed surveillance cameras everywhere, didnt you? Lets check the footage.
I stared hard at Garrett, expecting a flicker of panic. He was completely calm, a picture of wounded innocence.
Why bother checking anything? The only person with dark intentions in this house is you, constantly acting paranoid, believing everyone is out to get you, Savy snapped, exasperated.
You stole the necklace because Mom complimented Garrett. Dean, you have disappointed me profoundly.
A trumped-up charge. There is no defense.
My explanations were useless. I decided to give them what they wanted.
Fine. Yes, I took it.
I walked back to my room and pulled my luggage out. I couldnt bear another second in this house.
The suitcase had barely reached the front door when Savy and Garrett followed me out.
Not this again, Dean, Savy ordered, gripping the handle of my luggage. Youre going to explain yourself before you leave.
I yanked my case free, ready to shout, when a car, screeching horribly, ran a red light and careened off the road toward us. The sound of the brake was deafening.
In the ensuing chaos, Garrett lunged, tackling Savy to the ground, rolling them both safely into the bushes. I was thrown by the impact and momentum, landing hard on the pavement. My knee slammed down, and blood immediately stained my jeans.
Savy scrambled up, instantly checking Garrett. Seeing the blood seeping through his shirt, her eyes flashed with pure hatred as she turned to me.
This is all your fault! If you hadnt been making a scene trying to run away, this wouldnt have happened! If Garrett is seriously hurt, I will never forgive you!
Ambulance sirens screamed nearby. As Garrett was being loaded onto a stretcher, he spoke weakly.
My blood type is rare I dont know if the hospital has a match
Savy immediately grabbed my wrist, her fingers biting into my skin.
Youre coming to the hospital. Youre going to give him blood!
I wont!
I struggled violently. His emergency has nothing to do with me!
Savy clamped down on my shoulder, dragging me toward the ambulance. The rough asphalt scraped my pants leg, and the wound on my knee screamed in protest.
Caroline ran up, clutching my arm, her voice chillingly cold.
We have treated you well, Dean. Give Garrett the blood, and I will give you the sapphire necklace. We can pretend this entire incident never happened.
Killer manipulation. This is it.
Watching them use the one thing I despisedan attempt to buy my obedienceto save Garrett, I felt a devastating mix of derision and hopelessness.
Winston arrived, cane in hand, his usual gentle demeanor gone. He slammed his cane on the ground.
You defiant fool! At a time like this, youre still being selfish! Garrett saved Savys life! You will donate blood! If you refuse, I will publicly disown you and have you leave this house with nothing!
Seeing my continued resistance, Savy finally nodded to two nearby security men.
Let go of me! Savy, let me go! I yelled, my voice raw, tears mixing with the dust on my face. Did you forget the last item on my list?! The most innocent-looking people hide the darkest intentions!
Savy flinched, looking down for a fleeting moment of pity, then waved her hand, ordering the men to forcibly push me into the ambulance.
At the hospital, a nurse approached with a needle. Staring at the cold, silver tip, a profound chill washed over me.
In a haze, I saw Garrett being wheeled into the bed next to mine. I heard him whisper.
Do you know why I went abroad?
To find someone.
He paused, a strange, chilling smile touching his lips.
Remember when I said you looked like me the first time we met?
My heart plummeted.
Just then, Savys Chief of Staff rushed in, his voice panicked.
Boss! The overseas project its gone!
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