#Chapter 51: A Vile Little Schemer

Ollie’s POV Declan, with a firm hand on my shoulder, leads me from the garage in the basement of the estate to the elevator and then from the elevator over to the main living room. Conrad, Wes, and Hugh are all there, standing around, looking impatient. My only relief is that Sylvia isn’t among them. At least I won’t have her additional ridicule while I’m being scolded by the brothers. “What’s this about now, Declan?” Hugh asks, voice short with annoyance. When he spots me, his expression falls further. “What has Ollie done now? Embarrassed us in some new way, I suspect.” “She’s been meeting her boyfriend at her work,” Declan says. “I went there and saw him with my own eyes.” “Jake is just a friend,” I say in an effort to defend myself. “He’s a regular at the shop. I don’t even know him that well.” “They were holding hands,” Declan says. “He put his hand on top of mine,” I argue. “He was just trying to be supportive because –” “Enough,” Conrad says firmly, and my mouth