Chapter 4: The Unwelcome Guest
By nightfall, a heavy rain began to beat against the tall arched windows of the estate. Thunder rolled across the valley, vibrating through the thick glass. Inside, the mansion felt larger and emptier than ever.
Ethan had insisted that Clara rest in one of the guest rooms on the second floor—a warm room with soft lighting and comfortable furnishings far removed from the servants' quarters. He sat downstairs in his father's old library, surrounded by dark mahogany bookshelves filled with untouched volumes of law and corporate strategy.
A sudden knock at the heavy front door broke the quiet.
Ethan stood up slowly, crossing the foyer. When he pulled the heavy oak door open, he found a tall, imposing man standing in the rain under the porch light. He wore a dark raincoat, his gray hair slicked back, his expression cold and calculating. It was Richard Sterling—Victoria’s father and the primary investor in Ethan’s business ventures.
"Richard," Ethan said coldly, not stepping aside to let him in.
"We need to talk, Ethan," Richard said, stepping past him into the foyer without waiting for an invitation. He shook the rain off his coat, his eyes scanning the grand hall before settling on Ethan. "Victoria came home hysterical. She claims you put your hands on her and defended a domestic worker."
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"Victoria threw a glass vase and physically assaulted a pregnant woman," Ethan replied flatly. "I removed her from the premises before she did any more damage."
Richard smirked slightly, a cold, humorless expression. "Let's not get emotional over staff, Ethan. Victoria is your wife. Our families share assets worth millions. You are on the verge of finalizing the merger next week. You cannot afford scandals, nor can you afford to alienate my daughter over a minor household dispute."
