Jonathan leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear. “Between the two of you, I’d wager you’d rather keep Evander from finding out just how wild you are in my bed, wouldn’t you?”
Her expression froze, the words hanging in the air with no reply.
“As long as you do as I say, Miss Winthrop,” Jonathan murmured, straightening his jacket, “I’ll make sure you get exactly what you want.” With that, he turned and strode out of the room.
Tricia stood rooted to the spot, her face turning a shade paler.
When she’d first agreed to work with Jonathan, she certainly hadn’t planned on ending up in his bed. If she hadn’t had too much to drink that night, if they hadn’t gotten carried away, she would never have given him this kind of leverage over her.
Still, it didn’t matter. Until she became Mrs. Howard, she needed Jonathan. The Pembrokes didn’t have the money or influence of the Howards, but at least Jonathan knew how to please her—and he really was useful.
If it hadn’t been for his help, quietly erasing all the evidence, Evander’s people would have uncovered everything she’d done long ago…
A cold, bitter smile tugged at the corner of Tricia’s lips.
Charlotte really was pitiful...
The next day.
Charlotte visited Mrs. Rivers in her hospital room.
Winston, usually reserved, greeted her with unusual warmth, even instructing his secretary to send her a bouquet as a thank-you later.
Charlotte thanked him for his kindness and turned to ask about Mrs. Rivers’ health, but noticed the woman watching her intently.
She hesitated. “Mrs. Rivers?”
Mrs. Rivers blinked, seeming to return to herself. “What’s your name, dear?”
“Charlotte.”
“I see…” Mrs. Rivers trailed off, looking almost dazed. Winston, sensing something was off, leaned over and gently asked, “Darling, is everything alright?”
Jonathan read her silence easily. “I’ll admit, when I helped look into that matter for your brother, I may have had my own reasons. I did nudge things in Evander’s direction on purpose.”
She tilted her head. “Why? Do you have some grudge against Evander?”
A shadow passed briefly over Jonathan’s features, too subtle for most to notice, but he quickly smoothed it away. “Just old business between our families. Not worth mentioning. But honestly, my motives weren’t about him.”
Charlotte sipped from the glass on her desk, curiosity getting the better of her. “Then what were they?”
He straightened, his tone suddenly serious. “Charlotte, haven’t you realized by now? I did it for you.”
She choked on her water, coughing.
Jonathan reached over and gently patted her back. “Are you alright?”
She waved him off, her face a picture of startled disbelief. “For me?”
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