Chapter 4 - A Secret Alliance
The silence in the small servant's room was deafening.
Sarah braced herself to be fired, tears pricking the corners of her eyes.
Instead, Ethan let out a long, heavy sigh.
"Mr. Sterling, I swear on my life—"
"I know you didn't take it, Sarah," Ethan interrupted quietly.
Sarah blinked in shock.
"You... you do?" she whispered.
Ethan held up the diamond earring, examining it under the small ceiling light.
"Victoria wore these earrings to a gala two months ago," Ethan explained. "She lost the left one in the limousine on the way home."
Sarah stared at him, trying to process the information.
"She found it the next day under the seat," Ethan continued. "But the clasp was slightly bent."
He pointed to the perfectly straight silver clasp in his hand.
"This clasp is flawless," Ethan muttered. "This isn't the earring she supposedly left on her vanity this morning."
A wave of immense relief washed over Sarah.
"She bought a replica just to frame you," Ethan deduced, his voice tight with anger.
"Why would she go through so much trouble?" Sarah asked.
"Because she wants you out of this house," Ethan replied.
He finally looked Sarah directly in the eyes.
"And now I'm starting to wonder why she's so desperate to get rid of you," he added.
"It's because I caught her with the iron," Sarah said firmly.
Ethan closed his eyes, the painful reality beginning to set in.
"If what you're saying is true, I've brought a monster into my son's home," Ethan whispered.
"We need proof," Sarah urged. "If you just confront her, she'll deny it and manipulate her way out of it."
Ethan nodded slowly.
"You're right. She's too careful," Ethan agreed. "We need to catch her in the act."
"What do we do?" Sarah asked.
"Officially, you are on strict probation," Ethan instructed. "I'm going to pretend I'm furious with you."
Sarah nodded, understanding the plan.
"And unofficially?" she asked.
"Unofficially," Ethan said, pulling a small black box from his pocket. "I bought these nanny cams yesterday."
Sarah smiled for the first time in days.
"I'll help you install them tonight," Sarah promised.
May you like
Ethan placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch surprisingly warm.
"Thank you for protecting my son, Sarah," he said softly.
