Aside from the black card she could swipe at will, Adrian constantly showered her with luxury goods and jewelry. If it was new and expensive, it would appear on Sara's vanity.
He never shortchanged her on money. But money was the only thing he could give her.
Sara flashed her signature sweet smile. "Thank you, Mr. Harding."
"And?" He leaned back in his chair, waiting.
Sara understood the assignment. She leaned in and planted a feather-light kiss on his cheek.
He patted her head, satisfied, and finally left for work.
Once the tyrant was gone, Sara slumped, feeling as if she'd been granted amnesty.
He wasn't trying to get justice for her; he was clearly protecting his sister. He had questioned Sara without even asking for the full story—proof that he didn't care enough to know the details.
But the look in his eyes when he watched Eva last night still lingered in Sara's mind.
A complexity she had never seen in him before.
Could he really let go of the woman he had loved for seven years?
They arrived at the Harding estate at five sharp. Adrian had cleared his evening schedule, pushing aside a social engagement specifically for this visit.
The moment they stepped into the foyer, Bonnie Harding was lounging on the sofa, watching TV, looking radiant.
Sara slipped into her house slippers and approached with a smile. "Mom, why are you all dressed up today? You look stunning."
"I just threw this on." The delight on Bonnie's face betrayed her. "Look at that mouth of yours—sweet as honey, as always."
She didn't even need to look up to know who had arrived. Her affection for her daughter-in-law was genuine.
Sara sat beside her, leaning in close. "I came here to mooch a free meal, so naturally, I have to sing for my supper. Otherwise, how could I have the nerve to eat and drink here?"
From the single armchair nearby, a scoff shattered the warmth. Bella Harding sat scrolling through her iPad, her expression sour.
"Greet her." Adrian's voice was low. Final. He didn't indulge his sister's petty games.
Bella was terrified of him. Reluctantly, she muttered, "Sister-in-law," without lifting her eyes from the screen.
In reality, Sara and Bella were the same age. The title felt forced coming from Bella's mouth, and Sara found it equally awkward to hear.