Chapter 13 Trying to Blow The Cover Just to Climb the Ladder
Jeremy narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp and assessing. “Do you usually light scented candles?
Stella’s heart skipped a heat. She forced a calm tone. “Me? I’m used to doing grunt work I’m not that tancy. Maybe…maybe the scent stuck to me while I was tidying the master bedroom this morning,”
She’d been too exhausted last night to do more than a quick rinse. She completely forgot the rose scented candle would cling to her clothes and hair.
The kitchen was cramped, and there was nowhere for her to hide from his scrutiny. “If you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t be doing all this physical work. I’ll arrange a paid leave for you.”
That sent her heart racing. She couldn’t afford to leave the Parker house, not ow
appreciate the offer, Mr. Parker, but this kind of work doesn’t tize me. The doctor actually said light activity is good for the baby.” She lifted her eyes cautionsly, only to lockeyes with him.
perey seemed to notice the tension in her posture. His tone shifted. “Martha mentioned your mom’s not doing well. The Parker Group has investments in a few publichospitals. If you need anything, ‚ I can make a call.”
Her guard snapped up instantly. “No need. She’s being treated just fine where she is. Moving her now could mess with her recovery.”
If Martha found out about any of this, she’d lose it. And if anyone discovered who tells really was, especially after she got pregnant, there’d be no covering it up. She had to cut all ties before things got exposed
Her heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst.
“My offers don’t come with an expiration,” Jeremy said, stepping aside and giving her space to leave
Stella quickly bent down, grabbed the trash bag, and hurried out of the kitchen, head down. She didn’t see him still watching her as she walked away
What she said was a mix of truth and lies. Clearly, she was hiding something.
If he wanted, he could have her whole background dug up in under an hour. But the fun in the game wasn’t catching the prey. It was the chase,
He wanted to watch her slowly strip away every layer of pretense until the real her finally surfaced.
By noon, the sun was blazing.
Martis had spent the entire morning getting dolled up in a custom designer dress and heels, carrying a perfectly arranged lunchbox full of gourmet dishes as she stepped into the Parlur Tower.
Since she married Jeremy, she hadn’t made a public appearance as his wife, Too many women were eyeing him like a prize. Today, she was here to make a statement. She was the one and only wife of Jeremy.
As soon as she entered the lobby, her heels echoed through the space, drawing everyone’s attention.
Office workers glanced up from their desks, whispering amongst themselves.
“That’s Ms. Nord? She’s even prettier than her photos!”
“Well, duh. She’s the CEO’s wife. Total power couple.”
“Please let me live that kind of life in my next life.”
Martha raught every word. She smiled sweetly, soalding up the envy like sunshine.
The private elevator tookherstraight to the top floor.
- n. He was buried in paperwork. When he looked up and saw her, a
She knocked lightly on Jeremy’s office door, but didn’t wait for a response before pushing it open. flash of imitation crossed his face.
Martha set the lunchbox on his desk. “Jeremy, I made all your favorite dishes. You’ve been worlding too hard. You need to eat.
Jeremy closed his file slowly, browscreasing
Martha took her time opening the lunchbox lids, watching him expectantly
He glanced at the food but didn’t budge. “I’ve got a meeting soon. You go ahead and eat.
It was obvious the nanny made the food. He knew exactly what she was trying to do, she was trying to mark her territory in front of his entire company.
Martha’s smile faltered for a second, but she quickly recovered. “That’s far, just eat when you can. I’ll leave it here.”
Jeremy responded with a hum as he flipped through another document. Once he made up his mind, no one could push him otherwise.
Martha felt the sting of rejection. Butthen she remembered that she didn’t come here just to feed him. Her real goal had already been met. The food could go cold
for all she cared.
Heteyes drifted to the coat rack. “Your shirt from this moming is a little wrinkled. I’ll take it home and steam It.”
She walked over, took the shirt from the hanger, and cradled it like she owned the place.
Jeremy didn’t even lookup. “Do what you want ”
His indifference cut deep. He wasn’t like this before.
“Anything else?” Jeremy glanced up and asked
Martha bit her lip. “No… nothing, I’ll let you work.”
Chapter 13 byret Bow The Cover, Just to Climb the Ladder
She stepped into the elevator with Jeremy’s dress shirt in her arms. It was a distinct piece, and people noticed.
She hadn’t even made it out of the Packer Tower when a suited man rushed up behind her. “Mrs. Parker! W
She turned to see Jeremy’s assistant, Connor White, and her tone softened. “Jeremy sent you?”
He nodded and held out a small tabe of ointment. “Mr. Parker asked me to bring this to you. He said not to let your hand get wet. Make sure you rest it.” All eyes in the lobby were on them. The company group chat exploded with gossip.
“Can’t even escape the PDA at work!”
“Ms. Nond isn’t just gorgeous, she’s got class, too!”
“I just want to know how to get a CED to fall in love with me…”
Martha was confused but took the ointment anyway. “I’ll be careful,”
Connor gave a wann smile, “Let me walk you out.”
Surrounded by admiration, Martha was floating. She nodded without hesitation.
The car pulled away slowly, Martha glanced at the ointment she’d tossed on the passenger seat. The more she thought about it, the more something felt off. She looked at her hands. Smooth, flawless. Not a single scratch or bruise.
Jeremy had always been distant, why would he suddenly send her medicine? Who was that ointment really for?
Realization hit like a slap. That little snake Stella must’ve been playing the pity card again, trying to get sympathy from Jeremy.
Her blood boiled. By the time the car pulled up to the house, she stormed inside like a tomado.
Right there in the living room, she caught Stella wiping the coffee table.
“Stella! What the hell did you do now?” Her eyes landed on Stella’s right hand. There it was, clear as day. A small bandage wrapped around her index finger.
Stella frowned, about to speak, but Martha didn’t give her the chance. The tube of ointment came flying across the room, hitting her square in the chest. It was the exact land used for treating minor cuts and scrapes.
Martha was fuming, her voice sharp. “Don’t play innocent! What did you tell Jeremy? You think by acting all weak, he’s suddenly gonna care about you?”
Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Are you trying to get caught on purpose? Hoping he’ll figure out who you are, so you can take my place?”
