Chapter 17 – Whispers and Warnings
Clara had survived the luncheon without falling face-first into the caviar, which she considered an achievement. But as she and Ethan left the hall, she caught snippets of whispers.
"Poor thing, she doesn't belong here."
"She's only here for the money."
"I give it a month."
She tried to smile through it, but the words lingered like smoke.
Back in the car, she stared out the window, silent. Ethan noticed.
"You handled them well," he said.
"Did I?" she asked quietly. "Because it felt like standing in front of a firing squad wearing a smile."
He looked at her — really looked at her. "You don't need to prove anything to them."
She gave a dry laugh. "Easy for you to say. You were born bulletproof."
His jaw flexed, but he didn't argue.
The car fell into silence again, but this time it wasn't cold. It was thoughtful.
When they arrived at the mansion, Ethan's mother was waiting in the foyer. Her expression was polite, but her tone wasn't. "Clara, a word."
Ethan started to follow, but Madeline lifted a hand. "Alone."
Clara nodded, trying not to fidget as Ethan reluctantly walked away.
Madeline's gaze sharpened. "You have spirit. That's… admirable. But this world doesn't reward spirit. It rewards control."
"I'm learning," Clara said softly.
"Learn faster," Madeline replied. "Because people will come for you — and when they do, Ethan won't always be there to save you."
Clara held her gaze, then said, "Then I'll just have to save myself."
For the briefest moment, something flickered in Madeline's eyes — surprise, maybe even respect — before she turned away.