Chapter 42
Aria's POV
The morning air felt crisp as I pulled up to the Blake family mansion in my new Porsche. I adjusted my rearview mirror, checking my appearance one final time. Perfect composure was essential for what I was about to do.
I had one simple mission: confirm whether my dear stepsister and my ex-fiancé had returned from whatever tryst they'd sneaked off to after I caught them at the club. The thought of them together still made my stomach turn, but I'd moved beyond mere disgust. Now I was methodical, focused on gathering evidence for the perfect moment to expose them both.
The Blake family's housekeeper greeted me at the door with a polite nod. "Miss Harper, what a pleasant surprise."
"Good morning, Helen. Is Ethan home?" I asked, keeping my tone casual.
"I'm afraid Mr. Blake hasn't returned from his business trip yet," she replied, ushering me inside. "But Mrs. Blake is in the solarium. Shall I announce you?"
Business trip. Right. I suppressed a knowing smile. "Yes, please. I'd love to see her."
Marianne was arranging fresh flowers when I entered the sunlit room. She looked up, her face brightening immediately.
"Aria, darling! What a lovely surprise." She set down her garden shears and embraced me. The scent of her Chanel perfume enveloped me in a cloud of luxury and old money. "I wasn't expecting you this morning."
"I was hoping to catch Ethan," I said, affecting slight disappointment. "We were supposed to discuss the announcement photos today."
Marianne's smile faltered just enough for me to notice. "Oh, I'm sorry, dear. He's been working late at the office. A new collection launch, you know how it is."
I nodded sympathetically. "The fashion business never sleeps. Did he mention when he'd be back?"
"He called last night saying he might stay at the office apartment for a few days." She squeezed my hand. "Such dedication, isn't it?"
Dedication. To my stepsister's body, perhaps. I had no doubt that Scarlett and Ethan were together, probably holed up in some luxury hotel where they thought nobody would find them.
"Well, I suppose I should have called first," I said with practiced disappointment. "Maybe I could wait in his room? I brought some fabric samples for the table settings at our engagement party."
"What a thoughtful fiancée you are," Marianne said, immediately brightening. "Of course, darling. You know where it is. Make yourself comfortable. I'll have Helen bring you some tea."
Perfect.
---
Ethan's bedroom hadn't changed since we dated years ago—still the same navy blue walls, the same mahogany furniture, the same framed fashion magazine covers featuring Blake designs. I set my bag down on his perfectly made bed, certain the housekeeper had been the last one to touch these sheets.
I took out my phone, pretending to be scrolling through social media in case anyone walked in. Once I was sure I was alone, I reached into my bag and extracted a small black device no larger than a lipstick tube—one of the nanny cams Garrett had provided me. I casually walked around the room, examining possible placement spots.
The crystal vase on his dresser caught my eye. It held silk flowers—typical Ethan, allergic to anything real and living. I adjusted the arrangement slightly, nestling the tiny camera among the fake stems, ensuring its lens faced the bed. The device was motion-activated and would send footage directly to a secure cloud account. If Ethan brought Scarlett here, I'd have my proof.
I returned to the bed, opening a fashion magazine just as I heard footsteps approaching. Helen appeared with a silver tea service.
"Mrs. Blake thought you might like some refreshment while you wait, Miss Harper."
"How thoughtful," I smiled. "Thank you, Helen."
She left, and I resumed my position on Ethan's bed, lounging comfortably as I pretended to scroll through Instagram. The camera was perfectly positioned. Now I just needed the mice to return to their trap.
---
Almost an hour later, I heard the front door open, followed by Marianne's excited greeting. Ethan's voice drifted up the stairs, sounding tired but pleased. I quickly fluffed my hair, adjusted my blouse, and positioned myself elegantly against his pillows, the very picture of a devoted fiancée.
The bedroom door opened, and Ethan froze mid-step when he saw me.
"Aria," he said, surprise evident in his voice. "I didn't expect to see you here."
I tilted my head, giving him my most radiant smile. "Surprise, darling. I thought I'd wait for you."
His eyes flickered with unmistakable desire as he took in the sight of me on his bed. But I also noticed something else—a faint mark on his collar that looked suspiciously like a lipstick stain. He hadn't even bothered to change his shirt after being with Scarlett.
"You should have called," he said, closing the door behind him. He approached the bed, and I caught a whiff of unfamiliar perfume—definitely not mine, and certainly not something he'd wear.
"And miss the look on your face?" I teased. "How was your... business trip?"
"Exhausting," he sighed dramatically, sitting beside me on the bed. His hand moved to my thigh, squeezing lightly. "But seeing you here makes everything better."
I fought the urge to slap his hand away. Instead, I smiled and placed my hand over his. "I've been thinking about our engagement party. Your mother and I were just discussing some ideas."
"Later," he murmured, leaning closer. His arms encircled my waist as he pulled me against him. "I've missed you, Aria. Maybe we could take things a bit further today?" His lips brushed against my neck. "It's been so long since we've been together."
The audacity of this man was truly astounding. Did he think I couldn't smell another woman's perfume on him? Couldn't see the faint hickey partially hidden by his collar?
I placed my hands on his chest, gently pushing him back. "Ethan, darling, not now. Your mother is expecting us downstairs."
He frowned, clearly disappointed. "She can wait."
"Besides," I added, my voice dropping to a whisper, "I want our first time after all this to be special. Maybe after the engagement party? I promise I'll give you a night to remember."
His eyes darkened with anticipation, and he nodded. "I'll hold you to that promise."
"I'm counting on it," I replied, sliding off the bed. "Now, shall we go downstairs? I'm sure your mother is eager to discuss the party plans."
Ethan straightened his tie, unaware that his every move was now being recorded by my hidden camera. "Always the responsible one," he said with a sigh. "That's why I love you."
I smiled, thinking of the evidence I would soon have against him. "And I love that you appreciate me, Ethan. Not everyone values loyalty these days."