Whispers in the Dark
The next morning, Clara awoke to find two guards stationed outside the mansion gate. Ethan's doing, no doubt.
When she asked the butler, he looked uncomfortable. "Mr. Blackwood's orders, ma'am. He said it's for your safety."
Her brow furrowed. "My safety? From what?"
"I… I don't know, ma'am."
Later, when she confronted Ethan in the study, he stood by the window, his back to her.
"You're having me watched," she said flatly.
"I'm protecting you," he replied.
"By treating me like a prisoner?"
He turned to face her, his eyes shadowed. "Marcus is still out there. I can't risk him contacting you again."
Her heart twisted. "You don't trust me."
"I'm trying to," he said quietly.
"That's not trying," she whispered. "That's fear."
Before he could answer, Victoria's voice came from the doorway. "He's doing what's best for you, Clara."
Clara shot her a glare. "Stay out of this, Victoria."
"Hard to, when you're making my brother miserable," Victoria retorted.
Ethan closed his eyes briefly. "Both of you, stop."
Clara stepped forward. "No, she's right. You're miserable because of me. Because of what you think I've done."
"Clara—"
"I'm done explaining myself, Ethan," she said, voice trembling. "If you still think I betrayed you, I won't waste breath proving otherwise."
She turned and left before he could reply.
When the door shut behind her, Victoria smirked. "You're welcome."
Ethan glared. "Don't push her."
"I'm not pushing anyone," she said sweetly. "I'm just saving you from another heartbreak."
But the faintest flicker of doubt crossed his face — and Victoria knew Isabella's plan was working perfectly.