Chapter 2 - The Ghost of Phoenix|
The ballroom erupted into chaotic whispers. Security guards hovered near the grand entrance, unsure of whether to move against the maid or obey the billionaire heir.
Naomi did not look at the crowd. Her mind was drifting back to Virginia, to the high-walled compound of Mara Caldwell, a former military protection specialist. At thirty years old, Naomi had already lived several lives.
In one, she was the daughter of a single mother who cleaned offices at night. In another, she was the most gifted student Mara had ever trained. Naomi had learned to disarm knives, break chokeholds, and read human movement before she even learned to drive.
By twenty-four, she was protecting corporate executives and political witnesses. She had been fast, lethal, and calm under fire. But then came the night in Phoenix.
Three armed men had forced their way into a client's home. Naomi stopped them and saved a sixteen-year-old girl, but one attacker died in the struggle. Even though the investigation completely cleared her, Naomi could still hear the man's lingering last breath every time she closed her eyes.
She had resigned a week later. She gave up the tactical gear, returned to Massachusetts, and promised herself her hands would only create order, not violence. Cleaning the Whitmore estate offered peace.
Until tonight.
Vanessa scrambled to her feet, clutching her torn gown, her eyes burning with hatred.
"Ethan!" Vanessa barked, her voice cracking. "Are you deaf? She put her hands on me! Fire her! Have her arrested!"
Ethan walked slowly over to Naomi, stopping right beside her. He looked down at the diamond engagement ring glinting on Vanessa's finger.
"The party is over," Ethan said coldly.
May you like
"What?" Vanessa gasped. "You're taking the side of a servant?"
"I'm taking the side of decency," Ethan replied, turning his back on her.
