Chapter 4 - The Cruel Heiress|
Vanessa Sterling’s family possessed wealth older than the Whitmore foundation. She was breathtakingly beautiful, with perfectly styled blonde hair and a smile built for cameras, but her cruelty was just as refined.
She never yelled at staff when guests were present. Instead, she delivered insults with a sweet smile. She intentionally spilled coffee to tell a housekeeper she missed a spot. She snapped her fingers at servers and called grown adults "the help."
Naomi had endured it silently—not out of fear, but because she feared the violent version of herself that might react.
Two weeks before the gala, Naomi was polishing antique silverware in the dining room when she overheard Vanessa talking on the phone in the adjoining sitting room.
"I don't know why Ethan keeps her," Vanessa laughed into the receiver. "She watches him, and he talks to her as if her opinion actually matters."
The person on the other end murmured something.
"Please," Vanessa scoffed loudly. "She cleans toilets. Women like that mistake basic courtesy for interest. She'll be gone right after the wedding. I'm firing half the staff anyway. Ethan is sentimental, but he'll get over it."
Naomi’s hand had stopped on a silver fork. Vanessa wasn't just arrogant; she intended to destroy the livelihoods of workers who had served the Whitmores for decades.
That evening, Ethan had walked into the kitchen, finding Naomi staring out the window into the rain.
"You've been quiet today," Ethan remarked, leaning against the marble counter. "Did Vanessa say something to you?"
Naomi turned to face him. "She is under pressure because of the party."
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"That wasn't an answer," Ethan said, stepping closer.
"It was the safest one, Mr. Whitmore," Naomi replied softly.
