Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 171

Sabrina rubbed her chin, studying Hester closely. "Now that you've moved back in, how are things with Julian?"

"We're strangers sharing a bed," Hester replied flatly.

Sabrina fell silent. That certainly didn't sound promising.

She glanced around the bustling play area and pointed to a quieter spot. "Let's go sit over there."

Hester agreed, and the two found a table with a clear view of the ball pit where the kids were playing. Sabrina scanned a QR code to order four fresh juices—two for Caden and Gigi, and one each for them.

Watching Hester quietly sip her juice, Sabrina hesitated before finally pressing the issue. "I heard Julian set Seraphina up at Silverstream Villa?"

Hester set her glass down and met Sabrina's gaze. "Yes. He said it was close by, making it easier to look after her."

"Well, she's his brother's widow, so I guess it makes sense he'd want to take care of her. But I can't shake the feeling that Seraphina has completely changed since she got back. She used to be this untouchable ice queen, but now she's so timid and incredibly clingy."

Hester raised an eyebrow, observing Sabrina for a moment. "Does she constantly run to Declan Reed, playing the victim?"

Sabrina's eyes went wide. "How did you know?"

"Because she pulls the exact same act with Julian. She showed up at the house at noon with a pile of expensive supplements, claiming she wanted to thank me for taking care of Caden. She even insisted on cooking lunch for me—pork kidney slices and stir-fried pork liver."

Sabrina choked back a laugh. "Wow. She managed to hit every single landmine!"

Sabrina had noticed during their very first meal together that Hester absolutely despised offal and heavily spiced food.

"Didn't Julian warn her?" Sabrina asked.

Hester let out a dry laugh. "He doesn't even know I don't eat offal. How could he warn her?"

When Julian Weston walked through the door, Seraphina was still sitting on the sofa, weeping softly.

Celeste stood beside her, offering unsolicited advice. "Seraphina, you're just too soft-hearted. Caden is your biological son. Why on earth would you let her keep him? Mr. Weston is clearly on your side, so why put yourself through this misery?"

Before she could finish her sentence, the heavy front door clicked shut. Celeste froze, her voice dying in her throat as she turned and saw Julian standing in the foyer. The color completely drained from her face.

"M-Mr. Weston." She stared at him, desperately trying to mask her panic. "You're right on time. Seraphina has been crying since she got back, and I just can't seem to console her."

Julian crossed the room, his gaze sweeping over Seraphina before landing heavily on Celeste. His eyes were like chips of ice.

His voice was a low, commanding rumble that left absolutely no room for debate. "Pack your things. Your employment ends today. Neil will be in touch with your final severance."

Celeste gasped, staring at him in sheer disbelief. "Mr. Weston... you're firing me?"