Chapter 3

By the time we pulled up to the family's suburban home, the relatives were already gathered in the driveway, craning their necks to get a look.

When Ethan stepped out, everyone stared. Whispers immediately broke out.

"Grace's boyfriend is gorgeous. He looks like a movie star."

"Look at that car. That's serious money."

Ethan had Mr. Harris retrieve several beautifully wrapped gift baskets from the trunk. For Linda, a vintage bourbon and a basket of local artisanal foods. For Grandma Margaret, a gourmet hamper and a high-end skincare set.

The relatives clustered around, quietly speculating about the price of the Maybach and the gifts, though no one dared open them on the spot.

Linda was beaming. Having a guest like this clearly gave her massive bragging rights in front of the family.

Only Chloe, clinging tightly to Linda's arm, looked miserable. Her nails were digging so hard into Linda's sleeve I was surprised it didn't rip, though she forced a stiff smile onto her face.

At dinner, Chloe walked halfway around the table to sit on Ethan's other side. She speared a piece of BBQ rib and dropped it directly into his bowl.

"Ethan, I made this myself. You have to try it."

Ethan smiled faintly and pushed the bowl aside.

"No thank you. I only eat what Grace serves me."

Chloe's hand froze in mid-air. Her eyes instantly went red.

Linda rushed in to smooth things over. "Ethan, don't mind her. Chloe has always been a little clumsy and eager to please."

Chloe looked up at Ethan through her lashes, her voice trembling. "I just wanted to help. Do you hate me too?"

"Glad you know," Ethan replied.

Chloe's face crumbled completely. Fat tears started splashing into her bowl.

Linda's expression darkened. "Ethan, Chloe considers you family. You can refuse her, but there's no need to humiliate her in front of everyone."

"Isn't she Grace's cousin?" Ethan asked, looking genuinely bewildered.

I chimed in. "I don't have a cousin who walks into the wrong bedroom in the middle of the night."

The entire table went dead silent. Glances darted back and forth.

Aunt Susan was the first to recover, glaring at me. "Grace, she spent all morning helping out. You're crossing a line."

Helping out. Right.

Chloe had spent the entire morning hovering around Ethan—pouring his coffee, handing him water, exclusively serving him. She practically tried to follow him into the bathroom.

I gave a short laugh. "Funny how you care so much about Chloe now, Aunt Susan, but you never lifted a finger to help Linda raise her."

Aunt Susan's face flushed a violent red. "I—I wanted to help, but I had my own family to worry about..."

Desperate to change the subject, Linda forced a smile and looked at Ethan. "By the way, Chloe mentioned you run your own company? She's currently looking for work. Could you arrange a position for her at your office?"

My grip on my fork tightened.

I had only told Chloe that Ethan was my coworker. She must have spent the entire car ride interrogating Mr. Harris and piecing together Ethan's actual status.

Chloe stared at Ethan, her eyes shining with anticipation. The naked ambition on her face was so obvious she already looked like she thought she was the CEO's fiancée.

Ethan's tone was perfectly level. "Our corporate roles require a bachelor's degree. We don't have anything in management for you right now."

Chloe's eager smile faltered.

Ethan paused, as if a thought had just occurred to him. "Actually, there is one role that doesn't require a degree. The building is hiring janitorial staff. You're welcome to apply yourself."

Dead silence.

Chloe looked like she had been slapped.

Linda's face hardened, clearly stunned by the absolute ruthlessness of his polite rejection.

I couldn't help it. I laughed out loud.

After dinner, Chloe composed herself and tried another angle, hovering near Ethan again.

"Ethan, I already made up the guest room for you. I even put on fresh sheets. Do you want to go see if you like it?"

"Don't bother," I said coldly. "He's sleeping with me."

Ethan blinked, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth that he didn't even try to hide.

Chloe paled. "Grace, you're not even married yet and you're sharing a room? What will people say? They'll think you have no self-respect."

"You stripped naked in my ex-boyfriend's bed. Don't lecture me on self-respect."

Chloe's face cycled through red and white before she finally bit her lip and ran off crying to find Linda.

Ethan leaned in, his breath brushing my ear, his voice laced with undeniable excitement. "Sweetheart, do I really get to sleep with you tonight?"

My face burned. I shoved his shoulder. "Don't push your luck."

"I'm going to take a shower!" he announced cheerfully.

Watching his retreating back, I didn't know whether to be annoyed or amused.