Chapter 3

In my first life, Ethan had been mostly faithful, in his careless way, until Victoria sank her claws into him directly.

He was easily swayed, but also easily distracted.

I needed more distractions for him now. More chaos.

Cindy was a start, but she was too close, too tied to the household staff.

I needed someone outside, someone who would be a different kind of complication.

Giselle.

I remembered her from the fringes of society events – a struggling model, all looks and very little social standing. Desperate for a lifeline.

Perfect.

I arranged a "chance" encounter at a gallery opening Ethan was reluctantly attending for business.

Giselle was striking, déclassé enough to be a thrill for Ethan, but not a genuine threat to his social standing – or so he' d think.

He was, predictably, captivated.

Soon, Giselle joined Cindy in Ethan' s rotation.

I made sure Cindy knew about Giselle, subtly fanning the flames of jealousy with well-placed comments about Ethan' s "generosity" to his new friend.

To further solidify Cindy's new, elevated status within the household – and to keep her close to Ethan's activities – I suggested to Ethan that Cindy move into the Carriage House.

"It's so close to your study, darling," I' d said. "She can be available for you at a moment's notice, without disturbing my rest."

Ethan, flattered by my "consideration," readily agreed.

Mrs. Peterson beamed. Her niece, in her own little house on the Hawthorne estate. A significant step up.

The stage was slowly being set.

The air in the Hawthorne mansion grew thick with unspoken currents, quiet rivalries.

And I watched, pregnant and patient, waiting for the main antagonist to make her entrance.