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 dance teacher,” he

matter,” Stephen replied, his

we let someone ‘accidentally‘ mention it to

said calmly. “He

never expected that Rebecca would dare get involved with Stephen. She really has no fear of

Stanley remarked. He clearly enjoyed pushing Jeffrey’s buttons. “Now look, you’ve practically delivered her to Stephen on a silver

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20:27 Sun, 14 Sept

Chapter 24

phone, the air

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

said,

anyway. It’s not my problem who’s after

Jeffrey stayed silent.

didn’t press him; he knew Jeffrey

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

34/%

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

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

moment. Then he asked,

waste time on people who don’t

on, “If you care,

shot him a sidelong

that much to you?” Stanley continued, unwilling to let it go. “Enough that you’d give up Rebecca–the one

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

you? Save your life? Pull you out of some dark place when you were younger?” Stanley asked, genuinely curious. “Or was it something

Jeffrey didn’t answer.

kept his eyes fixed on him, not

changed the subject,

elegant velvet box from

got into his car, he received a call from home–Samuel had been

Rebecca.

Garden,” Jeffrey instructed

later, Rebecca arrived at their new home with