Chapter 6 - Enter the Snake
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The newfound stability of Hale Crest made Ethan greedy. It also made him the perfect target for Vanessa Cole.
Vanessa was a thirty-two-year-old branding executive from Los Angeles. She was sharp, stunning, and had built her career by identifying insecure men with deep pockets and telling them they were gods.
Her firm was hired to modernize the Hale Crest brand for a younger demographic. But from the moment she walked into the boardroom, her eyes were locked on the heir.
During her initial pitch, Vanessa didn't talk about wine. She talked about Ethan. She called him “the visionary architect of Hale Crest’s modern era.” Ethan practically salivated at the praise.
After the meeting, Vanessa approached Evelyn in the hallway.
“You must be so proud of him,” Vanessa purred, looking Evelyn up and down, taking in her understated blazer. “What is it you do for the company, Evelyn?”
“I focus on operations,” Evelyn replied politely.
Ethan had walked up just in time to interrupt. “She used to. Evelyn is taking some time off right now. Focusing on home.”
Vanessa’s smile widened, her eyes flashing with a predatory glint. “Oh, that must be so nice. Having the luxury to just step away from the grind while everyone else carries the weight of the world.”
Evelyn looked at Ethan, waiting for him to correct the narrative. Waiting for him to say, Actually, she’s advising my father and saving our margins.
But Ethan said nothing. He just grinned at Vanessa.
That night in their bedroom, Evelyn confronted him. “You made me sound like an unemployed housewife today.”
Ethan didn't even look up from his phone. “Technically, you are.”
“I’m advising the chairman of the board,” she snapped.
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“You’re helping an old man with his paperwork, Evie,” Ethan sighed, clearly annoyed. “Don't make a big deal out of it. Vanessa’s firm is important. I need to look like the one in charge.”
That was the night Evelyn realized her husband didn't just misunderstand her contribution. He actively resented it.
