Chapter 15 – Tea and Trouble
The next morning, Clara woke up to the sound of someone banging on her door — again.
She stumbled out of bed, hair in chaos, and opened it to find Victoria Blackwood, perfectly dressed, holding a tray of tea.
"Good morning, sister-in-law," Victoria said sweetly. "Mother thought we should get to know each other."
Clara blinked. "Oh, is this tea poisoned, or do we save that for lunch?"
Victoria's smile didn't falter. "I can see why Ethan finds you… entertaining."
"Entertaining? Like a pet or a circus act?"
"More like a temporary accessory."
Clara frowned. "You really don't like me, do you?"
"It's not personal," Victoria said lightly. "It's just— you don't fit here. Ethan doesn't do messy. He doesn't do emotional. And you…" She gestured vaguely. "You're both."
Clara's heart stung — just a little. "Maybe that's exactly what he needs."
Victoria's smile faded. "Careful, Clara. You're playing in a world that eats people alive."
The words echoed long after Victoria left.
That evening, Clara found Ethan in his study, buried in paperwork.
"Rough day?" he asked without looking up.
"Oh, you know. Your sister dropped by to warn me I'm doomed. Very bonding."
He looked up then, eyes narrowing. "Victoria spoke to you?"
"Relax, I'm not traumatized. She just thinks I'm too emotional for your world."
He studied her for a moment. "She's wrong."
Clara blinked. "Wait— did you just defend me?"
"Don't let it go to your head," he said coolly, returning to his files.
But she saw it — the faintest softening around his mouth. And it made something warm spark in her chest.