had scrubbed the kitchen counters until they shined. She tie

She clamped her phone into the holder and adjusted a small, cra

rame. She had always been careful to maintain her anonymity, using a fake name to register the account. Victor's background check had likely dismi

projecting a cheerful persona she didn't currently feel. "Today, I'm going to show you

e dropped them into a pot of boiling water to loosen the skins. She was just about to explain

sing her thumb. She frowned, wiped her hands

was standing in the hallway. Next to him was a stout, sever

nd opened it a few inche

oman. "Miss Aria, this is Maria. Mr. Sterlin

as grocery bags. She marched into the small entryway, her nose wrinkling in obvious disgust as she

e kitchen. She took one look at the boiling

, waving her hand. "Garbage. Pr

. Packages of A5 Wagyu beef, fresh black truffles, organic asparagus, and bo

into the corner to make room for a massive bowl of o

only thing she actually controlled, was being invaded. She step

suppressed rage. "Please stop touching my thing

expensive copper pots she had brought with her. "Mr. Sterl

the stand and turned to walk into the living room. Her fingers flew acr

t now. I don't want your charity. She

personal phone vibrated on the table. He was listening to his C

rk touched the corner of his mouth. He pic

the baby is fed properly. If you have a problem,

actly what he was doing. He was using Madam Sterling as a shield. If Aria complained

s, forcing the anger down into a cold, hard

already searing the Wagyu beef. The rich,

u can stay. But you do not touch my camera equipment. And you

missive shrug. "

ctly cooked Wagyu and truffles on the small dini

meat made her feel sick. She picked up her fork, but she couldn't take a bite. He