Chapter 3 - The Viper's Nest
The Thorne Estate in the Hamptons was a sprawling fortress of glass, steel, and old money. Leah felt like an imposter in her target-bought jeans, but Evelyn welcomed her with open arms.
For the first month, Leah’s job was surprisingly peaceful. She painted with Evelyn, walked with her through the massive botanical gardens, and made sure she took her medications. But the estate was not empty.
Caleb’s step-brother, Marcus, and his venomous fiancée, Seraphina, lived in the east wing. They were trust-fund parasites, furious that a "common waitress" was spending so much time with the matriarch of the family.
"She is scheming, Caleb," Seraphina sneered one evening in the grand foyer, unaware Leah was paused on the staircase. "She’s manipulating Evelyn. Probably trying to get written into the will."
"Leah has done more for my mother in four weeks than you have in four years, Seraphina," Caleb retorted, his voice dripping with ice. "Do not test my patience."
Leah retreated upstairs, her heart fluttering. He defended her.
Later that night, Leah was reading in the massive two-story library when Caleb walked in, pouring a glass of scotch. He looked exhausted, the weight of a corporate empire pulling at his shoulders.
"You shouldn't let them speak to you that way," Leah said softly from the armchair.
May you like
Caleb paused, walking over and sitting heavily on the leather sofa opposite her. "I am surrounded by vipers, Leah. People who only look at me and see a bank account." He looked at her, his icy eyes softening. "You are the only person in this house who looks at me and sees a man."
The air in the library grew thick, charged with an undeniable, heavy tension.
