Chapter 5 - ETHAN STARTS TO SEE

Ethan noticed the change before anyone told him. Naomi stopped coming into the main kitchen when Vanessa was there. She volunteered for early shifts. She avoided the family wing.
When Ethan asked why, she said, âScheduling.â He knew it was a lie. One evening he found Vanessa scrolling through Naomiâs old security photographs. âWhat is that?â Vanessa shut the laptop. âShe used to work security.
So what?â Vanessa blinked. âYou knew?â âMy grandfather told me when we hired her.â Vanessaâs face changed. âRichard knew?â âYes.â âWhy didnât you tell me?â âBecause itâs none of your business.â The words landed badly. âNone of my business?
A woman with combat training is sleeping under the same roof as us.â âShe lives in the staff cottage.â âYou know what I mean.â âNo, Vanessa. I really donât.â She moved closer. âYou defend her constantly.â âIâm defending basic decency.â âAgainst me?â Ethan exhaled. âYouâre taking a maidâs side over your fiancĂ©e.â âThis isnât about sides.â âIt is now.â She left the room.
Later that night, Ethan found his grandfather in the library. Richard Whitmore listened without interrupting. Finally he said, âYou know what your problem is?â âIâm sure youâre going to tell me.â âYou keep waiting for Vanessa to become the person you hoped she was.â Ethan looked away. âMarriage doesnât improve character.
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It magnifies it.â Ethan sat silently. Then Richard added, âAnd leave Naomi out of whatever decision you make. She didnât create this problem.â Upstairs, Vanessa stood outside the library door. She heard every word.
By midnight, she had made her own decision. If Naomi was the reason Ethan had started questioning the engagement, Naomi would be gone before the engagement party. One way or another.