It was the day of festivities. 

Sosuke picked up Esmeralda and her friends. When Esmeralda saw Sosuke, she couldn't help but blush. He wore a black suit that was buttoned almost halfway; his slacks and shoes were also black. His brunette hair was slicked back as always. He also wore two red roses in his left pocket and a dark red vest with a black tie. The young woman could also smell his cologne.

He was gorgeous.

Esmeralda couldn't afford a dress, but when told of the opportunity, she worked on a dress and handmade it herself. She handmade a white dress with flower designs that were seen through, but underneath, she wore a silk dress she found in a store. Her hair was curled as she wore a white feather on the right side and small fak crystal flowers on some parts of her hair. She also wore a small crystal necklace that she got from Amazon. Her makeup was very light since Esmeralda wasn't too fond of makeup.

John and the men wore suits, while Elena wore a strapless red dress, makeup, and hair in an elegant bun. When Sosuke laid eyes on Esmeralda, his expression was unreadable. However, he smiled, motioning everyone to follow him and get in his SUV. 

Esmeralda held onto her bag, which contained the clothing she would wear for her performance. "You all will be fine. Just perform as you always do. You all will be paid either way."

About thirty minutes later, the group saw many cars parked by a large mansion that looked European. There were many trees and gardens. There were many statues of lions and other animals.

Many people were walking towards the back of the mansion. Sosuke went on the opposite side as he parked his SUV in a garage. Everyone got out. Sosuke then led the group inside the mansion. They all were in awe of the interior as there was a large chandelier, lavish sofas, pianos, and other things that were thought to be seen only in movies.  

"The band will play within an hour. You all will be in the meeting room. Esmeralda, follow me."

Esmeralda nodded as Sosuke led her friends to the meeting room, and then Sosuke returned to Esmeralda, leading her upstairs. "I have all of my uncles that want to meet you."

"Your uncles? So it's not just Mr. Bradley?"

"Correct. My uncles want to meet you since you will be the show's star."

Esmeralda blushed. Both got to a room where the doors were slightly open. Sosuke gave a slight knock. "Enter." Esmeralda felt a little nervous as she entered. Inside, she saw Bradley sitting at his desk and three other men. They all wore black suits that looked very elegant and classy. All men looked more than six feet tall and had black hair. Some had light blue eyes, while others had black eyes.

Sosuke also entered and closed the door behind him. It was quiet between everyone. Esmeralda felt her face turning warm. Bradley stood from his seat. "Esmeralda, I am glad you and your friends made it here safely. I trust you are comfortable with your stay."

"Uh, oh yes! We are very thankful for everything you have done for us, Mr. Bradley. We won't disappoint you, sir."

"No need to be too formal, young lady. Anyway, I would like to introduce you to my other brothers." This is Vlad, Gol D. Rogers, and Issa. Also, you know that since Yhwach is Sosuke's father, he is also our brother."

The young woman wanted to refrain from blushing. If she thought Bradley was handsome, his other brothers were also good-looking. "What is it with these European men!? Why are they so good-looking," she thought.

"Ha! Ha! Ha! You are a beauty! Our nephew here ain't kidding about you!" laughed Gol D.

Esmeralda looked down as she blushed even harder.

"Brother, you shouldn't embarrass the poor young lady in such a manner. Forgive him. Gol D. still hasn't matured," said Vlad. He walked forward as he motioned out his hand. Esmeralda looked at him and got a hold of his hand. Vlad gave her hand a small peck. Each brother did the same.

"Well, Gol D is not lying that this young lady is beautiful. You know, I have four daughters close to your age. Perhaps after the performance, I can introduce you all." Issa smiled as he had his hands on his back.

"That would be very nice, Mr. Issa. I would love to have more female friends."

"No need to be formal. It makes me sound too old."

The other brothers eyed the youngest. "You are old," they all said. Issa watched his brothers as he smiled at them, but Esmeralda felt it was more of a threat. She couldn't help but let out a giggle.

"Now, you will be introduced to many of our guests when you perform. We also would like to introduce you to our family. It would be nice for them to know someone outside their social circle," said Bradley.

Sosuke flinched. "Uncle."

Bradley realized what he had said and cleared his throat. The brothers glanced at one another; Bradley broke the tension. "Furthermore, if you need something or are concerned, please come to me or any of us. We will handle the situation."

Esmeralda smiled. "Yes, thank you so much. There is something I would like to ask."

"Yes?"

The young woman seemed hesitant, but Bradley looked at her as if telling her to tell him what was on her mind. "Is Yhwach my employer?"

Bradley raised an eyebrow. The brothers became serious, as did Sosuke. "Why would you think that? I was the one who hired you."

"Never mind, it's nothing. I just wanted to be sure."

"He went to visit you," said Vlad.

The young woman didn't respond for a bit. "He just wanted to see if we were alright. I should go with my friends and get ready."

"Esmeralda, if you feel uncomfortable, please tell us. Our brother can be...something else."

"Thank you, Mr. Bradley. It's nothing serious." With that, Esmeralda and Sosuke walked out of the room. All brothers were alone.

Bradley sighed as he massaged his head. "I hope Yhwach is not trying to get to her."

Vlad crossed his arms. "For shame! She is only eighteen and young to know more of the world."

Gol D Rogers let out a huff. "She is close to my son's age. Bradley, are you sure you made the right decision?"

"If Bradley hadn't hired her, then our brother Yhwach would have done anything else to get close to her. It was a good decision that we got to her first." Issa looked uncertain. "Bradley, the young lady would still go home even after this performance. I feel that Yhwach won't let her off the hook once he gets what he wants from her."

"I know. I have to think of a plan for the meantime. The festivities will begin, and Yhwach and his family will be in attendance. It's time to have a brotherly reunion.

.....................................

More people were arriving for the festivities. Yhwach was one of them as he parked his car in the garage. He wore a black suit with a white vest, a white tie with a jewel in the middle, and black slacks. His long black hair was tied, and his mustache was trimmed with a bit of cologne with a scent. Yhwach sighed as he prepared to meet his brothers, wife, sons, and grandchildren. On the other hand, he was excited to see his favorite grandchild, Yuzu. He walked inside the main building.

He received a text from Bradley that all the brothers were in his study. The main building was quiet, while the loud noises were outside. He made it to the outside of the study and entered. There they were, his brothers.

All eyes were on him as he closed the door. "Brothers, it has been a long time."

"Indeed it has. You haven't changed a bit, only your mustache," said Issa.

"Issa, you're still the same blabbermouth. If it weren't for that, you wouldn't have created issues between Gyokuro and Akasha."

Issa glared at his oldest brother. "You're one to talk. Look at your family drama—two women who bore you three illegitimate children and a wife you constantly betray. I wouldn't doubt she cheats on you, too, not that you even care. What a nice example you left the next generation."

Yhwach slowly walked to Issa. Issa stayed in his place. Both brothers were face to face.

"Enough, you two. Let's act like civilized adults here. This is our family's annual party, and we shouldn't make a scene," said Vlad.

Yhwach gave Issa a final glare as he went back to his place. Issa felt a slight drip of sweat going down his neck.

Bradley still sat in his seat. "Yhwach, I'm sure you know about our main event."

"Indeed."

"We all know that you went to visit Miss. Metztli and her friends. Although, we are certain you wished only to visit the young lady."

Yhwach let out a slight smirk as he shrugged his shoulders. "What if I did? I was the one who suggested her the position."

"So you suggested it to her from the kindness of your heart? Come on, brother. We all know you. You want something in return, especially from women," Gol D Rogers said with a hint of disgust.

Bradley stood and walked around his desk and close to Yhwach. He put his hands behind his back. His turquoise eyes glared at him. "Look, your married life and private life with other women are not my business. However, this is something I cannot and will not overlook. Esmeralda is only eighteen years old. Even though she is an adult, she is still a youth by heart and mind."

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"Acting the fool? You'll have to do better. I know you better than anyone else, Yhwach. If you try anything to that young lady..." Bradley walked closer to Yhwach. Brothers were face to face. "Then, you have me to deal with."

Yhwach chuckled. "Think what you want. If you're trying to intimidate me, King, you must do better." Yhwach's smirk became wider. "I wonder if you told your wife the entire truth about what you did during the war. Do you still have nightmares about it?"

Bradley squeezed his hands but refused to show any emotion. "I could say the same thing about you, brother. We all heard things, especially about Father."

Yhwach's smirk faded as he turned to the door. "We all have our secrets, King. However, you and I know we shouldn't put our nose where it doesn't belong." With that, Yhwach walked out of the study.

Bradley then walked to the wall and punched it, leaving a small hole. "Bradley, you need to calm down. It would be best if you didn't let Yhwach get to you," said Gol D.

"It's not what he said to me, Gol D. I accepted what I've done in Iraq and Afghanistan and the other wars, but what worries me is his view of Esmeralda. She is but a child. The young lady is still innocent, something Yhwach is attracted to."

The brothers looked at one another. "Come on; we need to go. The performances will soon begin.