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 just signed on to be Emily’s

matter,” Stephen

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

need,” Stephen said calmly. “He probably

‘I never expected that Rebecca would dare get involved with Stephen. She

her too hard,” Stanley remarked. He clearly enjoyed pushing Jeffrey’s buttons. “Now look, you’ve practically delivered her

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20:27 Sun, 14 Sept

Chapter 24

his phone, the air around

added kindly. “If you don’t make a move soon, Stephen’s

Jeffrey said, his deep eyes

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

Jeffrey stayed silent.

didn’t press him; he knew Jeffrey already had things

something I’ve always wondered,” Stanley said, pulling a chair closer,

34/%

who he likes–afraid you might use it against him. But you’re the complete opposite.” He paused. “It’s like you

hiding his thoughts. “When you care about someone,

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

time on people who don’t matter,” Jeffrey replied, answering

you care, then why

him a sidelong

mean that much to you?” Stanley continued, unwilling to let it go. “Enough

I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Jeffrey said plainly, never one to hide his feelings. “And Rebecca wouldn’t even be in

exactly did Andrea do for you? Save your life? Pull you out of some dark place when you were younger?”

Jeffrey didn’t answer.

fixed on

ring?” Jeffrey changed the subject, steering

box from his coat and

as he got into his car, he received a

Rebecca.

Maple Garden,” Jeffrey instructed the

Rebecca arrived at their new home