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, “Scheduling.” He knew it was a lie. One evening he found Vanessa scrolling through Naomi’s old security photographs. “What is that?” Vanessa shut the laptop. “She used to work security.

So what?” Vanessa blinked. “You knew?” “My grandfather told me when we hired her.” Vanessa’s face changed. “Richard knew?” “Yes.” “Why didn’t you tell me?” “Because it’s none of your business.” The words landed badly. “None of my business?

A woman with combat training is sleeping under the same roof as us.” “She lives in the staff cottage.” “You know what I mean.” “No, Vanessa. I really don’t.” She moved closer. “You defend her constantly.” “I’m defending basic decency.” “Against me?” Ethan exhaled. “You’re taking a maid’s side over your fiancée.” “This isn’t about sides.” “It is now.” She left the room.

Later that night, Ethan found his grandfather in the library. Richard Whitmore listened without interrupting. Finally he said, “You know what your problem is?” “I’m sure you’re going to tell me.” “You keep waiting for Vanessa to become the person you hoped she was.” Ethan looked away. “Marriage doesn’t improve character.

May you like

MY BROTHER SLAPPED ME IN FRONT OF 400 NAVY VETERANS—THEN THEY ALL STOOD...

MY BROTHER SLAPPED ME IN FRONT OF 400 NAVY SEALS—THEN MY MOTHER CALLED HIM THE REAL SOLDIER. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT LEFT THEM BOTH TRE...

**MY MOTHER-IN-LAW HID DRUGS IN MY SUITCASE TO SEND ME TO PRISON—MY HUSB...

AT 1:13 A.M., I CAUGHT MY MOTHER-IN-LAW HIDING DRUGS IN MY SUITCASE… THEN I HEARD MY HUSBAND SAY SOMETHING THAT MADE MY BLOOD RUN...

**The Millionaire’s Fiancée Hit a Housekeeper With a Hockey Stick—Then H...

The hockey stick struck Grace’s shoulder before she could move her daughter.She fell to her knees on the kitchen floor, shielding...

It magnifies it.” Ethan sat silently. Then Richard added, “And leave Naomi out of whatever decision you make. She didn’t create this problem.” 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.