"I remember when my sister was pregnant. She was near her due date and in such a rough state, emotionally shattered. I didn't want to ask about the father and reopen her wounds. But I assume the child's father is her ex-boyfriend."

Ben's exasperation grew. Her ex-boyfriend? That was him.

He kept his tone neutral and probed further, "So why did your sister break up with him? They had a child. They should've married, like we're planning to."

"Maybe he didn't want to settle down? I really don't know. She never talked to me about it," Winnie replied, oblivious to the depth of his reaction.

A wry smile played on Ben's lips. Jamie had really spun things in her favor. She had ended their relationship in a way that tore him apart, yet somehow managed to paint herself as the wronged party to her sister. Now, he was cast as the heartless one, the one who had abandoned her.

"It's been four years now," Winnie continued, oblivious to Ben's brooding. "Charlie's grown up so much. I keep telling her she should move on, replace someone good for her and Charlie's sake."

The idea of Jamie moving on, dating, or marrying another man hit Ben like a fresh wave of anger. He would never allow it.

"Alright, you go rest," he said, brushing off further conversation. "I've got to get to the firm. I just took on a new case and need to go over it with the client."

After Winnie got out, Ben watched her go, thoughts churning. The tension building in him seemed only to intensify as he drove to the office.

At the Spring Garden Apartments, Jamie started her work by setting out food for the pets, then moved on to a thorough cleaning around the house.

She noticed a small surveillance

camera blinking red on a shelf in the living room but didn't think much of it. It was fairly standard for high-end homes to have cameras. In fact, she considered it a positive, knowing there would be proof in case anything went missing.

What she didn't realize was that someone was watching her on the other end.

After nearly two hours, she had most of the house cleaned, leaving just a few areas to finish. She took a moment to catch her breath by the window when she heard keys jingling and the front door opening. The homeowner was back

"Who's here?" Mr. Adams asked.

"It's me, the cleaner for today," Jamie replied, moving forward to introduce herself.

Mr. Adams looked her over with interest, noting she looked even better in person with clear skin and a great figure.

After a moment, he grabbed some fruit from the fridge. "Looks like you're working hard. You're all sweaty. Sit down, take a break."

"No need. I'll be done soon, then I'll take the dog out. I just need you to settle the payment once I'm finished," Jamie replied, declining politely.

The fruit he offered was no doubt expensive, and she wasn't about to overstep. She was here to work, not to socialize.

Seeing she wouldn't join him, he shrugged and continued with his fruit, striking up some small talk. "Most of the cleaners we've had are

in their fifties. You're young and re

pretty. Why not work at a company as a receptionist or something easier? You could make good

money sitting comfortably instead of doing tiring, messy work like this."

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