Chapter 3

Weeks turned into a couple of months, my pregnancy advancing.

Jack was often "working late," and Tiffany was frequently mentioned as being "so helpful." Martha watched me with a new, cautious respect.

I knew Carrie' s arrival was inevitable, her own romantic prospects with Ethan Vance had soured in my past life after his family's shipping business hit a sudden, severe downturn.

She' d always coveted what wasn' t hers, especially if it belonged to me.

Jack' s rising political star would be an irresistible lure for her.

But this time, Jack wouldn't be an open field for her.

I needed more than just Tiffany to muddy the waters.

I needed someone more flamboyant, more cunning, someone who could truly challenge Carrie.

Through a discreet inquiry made by my new, carefully vetted personal assistant, Lena, I found Skylar.

Skylar was a social media influencer with a minor acting career, known for her sharp wit and her ability to charm powerful men. She had a knack for creating drama and an even better knack for self-promotion.

Lena arranged a "chance" encounter at a political fundraiser Jack was headlining.

I made sure Jack was well-plied with bourbon before Skylar, dazzling in a crimson dress, "accidentally" bumped into him.

"Oh, Mr. Beaumont, I am so terribly sorry!" Skylar gushed, her hand lingering on his arm a moment too long. "I'm such a fan of your work."

Jack, preening under the attention of a beautiful woman who wasn't his pregnant wife, was instantly captivated.

I watched from a distance, a serene smile on my face, as Skylar expertly reeled him in.

By the end of the evening, numbers were exchanged.

Perfect.

A few days later, the call came. My stepmother, Eleanor Miller.

"Sarah-Beth, darling!" her voice, dripping with false sweetness, grated on my ears. "Carrie and I were just thinking, with the baby coming, you must be overwhelmed! We're coming down to Charleston to help."

Help. Like a fox helps a hen.

"How wonderful, Eleanor," I said, my voice matching her feigned warmth. "We'd love to have you."

Carrie, the beautiful, favored elder half-sister, would soon be under my roof.

She believed herself superior, entitled. Her superficial interest in "wellness" and "holistic health" was a carefully constructed facade to appear caring while she schemed.

She had no idea what was waiting for her.

Jack was already entangled with Tiffany and now, increasingly fascinated by Skylar.

The stage was set for a far more chaotic environment than the one she had so easily conquered in my past life.

Let the games begin, sister dear.