Chapter 5 - The Contract|
"Go ahead and ask me, Naomi," Ethan said, pushing his hands into his tailored suit pockets.
"Why are you marrying her?" Naomi asked directly, her eyes unwavering.
The kitchen fell dead silent. Ethan stared at her, a jaw muscle twitching. For a long moment, Naomi thought she had finally crossed the line.
Instead, Ethan let out a weary exhale. "My father signed a massive joint venture with Sterling Holdings three years ago. That merger is keeping Whitmore Development afloat. The wedding secures the board's final vote."
"So it's purely a business transaction," Naomi said.
"It has to be," Ethan replied softly, looking away. "It's what the family needs."
"A contract shouldn't cost you your humanity, Ethan," she said, using his first name for the very first time.
Before Ethan could answer, the kitchen door swung open. Vanessa stood framed in the warm doorway, her eyes flashing as she took in the intimate distance between them.
"Ethan, darling," Vanessa purred, though her tone was razor-sharp. "The caterers are on line one. And why are you standing in the dark talking to the maid?"
"We were just finishing," Ethan said, his voice instantly flattening into a cold, professional tone.
May you like
Vanessa didn't glance at Ethan. Her bitter gaze remained locked on Naomi. "Make sure the antique silver is polished for tomorrow, Naomi. And try not to linger where you aren't needed."
Naomi bowed her head slightly. "Yes, Miss Sterling."
