Chapter 7 - THE MAN WHO WANTED ME GONE
Richard Haynes arrived at the Caldwell estate the following morning.
He wore a tailored gray suit and the confident expression of a man who believed money could erase consequences.
Ethan met him in the study.
I stood beside Rebecca.
Richard smiled when he saw me.
"Rosa."
My skin crawled.
"Mr. Haynes."
He looked at Ethan.
"I hear congratulations are in order."
Ethan said nothing.
Richard continued.
"A daughter. How extraordinary."
I felt cold.
He knew.
He'd known before the rest of the world.
Ethan leaned forward.
"Why were you watching Rosa four years ago?"
Richard's smile faded.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Rebecca placed the documents on the desk.
He glanced at them.
Then looked away.
Ethan's voice lowered.
"Why did you intercept her letters?"
Richard laughed.
"You're being ridiculous."
Ethan stood.
"Answer me."
Richard's expression hardened.
"Your father was trying to protect you."
Silence.
I stared.
"What?"
Richard looked at me.
"You were a complication."
Ethan's face changed.
Richard continued.
"The Caldwell empire was unstable. Your father had enemies. You were a distraction."
My hands trembled.
"So you threatened me?"
Richard said nothing.
Ethan stepped closer.
"You made her believe I didn't want her."
Richard looked at him.
"She was going to ruin everything."
Ethan's voice became quiet.
"No."
May you like
He looked at me.
"She was the only thing I had that wasn't already ruined."
