After the divorce, he begged

Chapter 24

“Just take it,” Stephen insisted, pressing the card into Rebecca’s hand. “Jeffrey crossed a line. As his older brother, I can’t just stand by.”

Rebecca felt her blood run cold. Letting the card sit there felt wrong, but keeping it felt even worse.

Stephen smoothly changed the subject. “Emily’s classes are on Saturdays, from 8 to 11 a.m.

“The rate is $500 per session. You can get paid after each class or settle monthly. If she enjoys it, we might expand–but I’ll discuss it with you first.”

Rebecca wanted to say no. The pay was generous. But if Stephen was going to be around every time, no amount of money would be worth the stress.

As if reading her mind, Stephen said calmly, “You’ll be working directly with Emily. Most of the time, it’ll just be you, her, and the servants.”

Rebecca glanced up, her resolve wavering.

“If everything sounds alright, I’ll call Lucas now, and we can get the contract signed,” Stephen continued patiently.

“I–I’d like some time to think it over,” Rebecca said hesitantly.

“If you have any concerns, just tell me,” Stephen replied warmly, like a caring big brother. “I’ll help you work through them.“–

Rebecca didn’t dare speak honestly. She couldn’t exactly say, “I’m afraid you’ll manipulate me.”

After a pause, she made up an excuse. “My mom is having surgery soon, and I’m worried the timing might conflict.”

Stephen reassured her gently. “Don’t worry about that. I’ll explain your situation to Lucas.

“Emily has a flexible schedule–it can be adjusted around your availability. And if it really doesn’t work out, you’re free to leave anytime.”

At this point, refusing would seem too deliberate. Rebecca handed the card back to him. “Then, thanks for explaining my situation to Mr. Reed. Since I’ll have a job now, I won’t need this.”

“Alright.” Stephen nodded, not pressing further.

Ten minutes later, Rebecca signed the part–time contract. She’d gone through the terms carefully–no hidden clauses, no penalties for quitting early, no tricky conditions.

Stephen invited her to stay for dinner, but she quickly made an excuse and left in a hurry.

The moment she stepped out of the villa, Lucas came down the stairs, one hand casually in his pocket.

he knew his precious Rebecca

doesn’t matter,” Stephen

tilted his head slightly. “Should we let someone ‘accidentally‘ mention it to

calmly. “He probably

message Stanley had sent him, his eyes cold. ‘I never expected

told you not to push her too hard,” Stanley remarked. He clearly enjoyed pushing Jeffrey’s buttons. “Now look, you’ve practically

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20:27 Sun, 14 Sept

Chapter 24

grip lightened around his phone, the air

you don’t make a move soon, Stephen’s

Jeffrey said, his deep

the matter. “Rebecca is not my wife, anyway. It’s not my

Jeffrey stayed silent.

didn’t press him; he knew Jeffrey already

there’s something I’ve always wondered,” Stanley said, pulling a chair closer, his eyes bright

34/%

you might use it against him. But you’re the complete opposite.” He paused. “It’s like you want everyone to know how

darkening sky, not hiding his thoughts. “When you care about someone, don’t you want the whole world

quiet for a moment. Then he asked, “Do you still have feelings for

don’t matter,” Jeffrey replied, answering Stanley’s

pressed on, “If you care, then

sidelong glance but didn’t

Stanley continued, unwilling to let it go. “Enough that you’d give up Rebecca–the one you’ve spoiled all

said plainly, never one to hide his

out of some dark place when you were younger?” Stanley asked,

Jeffrey didn’t answer.

kept his eyes fixed on him, not letting

the ring?” Jeffrey changed the subject,

quickly pulled an elegant velvet box from his coat and handed

it, stood up, and walked out without another word. Just as he got into his

Rebecca.

me to Maple Garden,”

hour later, Rebecca arrived at their new home with