The autumn sunlight filtering through Carter Manor's stained glass windows cast colored shadows across Victoria Wills' perfect features as she sat across from her sister in the formal parlor. Her Hermès scarf artfully draped, designer handbag placed just so, every detail calculated for maximum effect. But it was the glint in her blue eyes that made Evelyn's skin prickle with unease.
"You've done well for yourself, little sister," Victoria observed, her tone carrying that familiar edge of condescension that had colored their childhood. "Though I must admit, I never thought you'd aim quite so... high." Her gaze traveled over the parlor's antique furnishings, lingering on the fresh-cut roses Evelyn had arranged that morning – roses Ben had helped her select from their garden, his hands gentle as he showed her how to avoid the thorns.
"I didn't aim for anything," Evelyn replied, keeping her voice steady. "Ben and I—"
"Found love at first sight?" Victoria's laugh held no warmth. "Please, darling. We both know better. The question is, what does he know? About your... history with James Kingston? About those missing documents from Father's study?"
Ice slid down Evelyn's spine. The documents – evidence of her father's questionable dealings that she'd discovered and quietly reported to the regulatory authorities. She'd done it to protect the company's innocent employees, never imagining it would lead to her family's downfall. Or that Victoria would discover her role.
"That's ancient history," Evelyn said carefully, though her heart raced. "It has nothing to do with my marriage."
Victoria leaned forward, perfectly manicured nails drumming against her teacup. "Everything has to do with your marriage, dear sister. Do you think the Devil of Wall Street would appreciate learning his beloved wife once betrayed her own family? That his angel has shadows in her past?"
Before Evelyn could respond, familiar footsteps echoed in the hallway. Ben appeared in the doorway, his presence immediately filling the room with that magnetic energy that made breathing difficult. His storm-grey eyes took in the scene – Victoria's predatory pose, Evelyn's tension – and something dangerous flickered across his face.
"Miss Wills," he said smoothly, moving to stand behind Evelyn's chair. His hand settled on her shoulder, warm and reassuring. "What an unexpected pleasure."
Victoria's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Ben, darling. I was just catching up with my dear sister. Reminiscing about old times."
"How nostalgic." Ben's thumb traced circles on Evelyn's skin, but his voice carried a warning. "Though perhaps some memories are better left in the past."
"Are they?" Victoria rose gracefully, gathering her designer accessories. "I've always believed that truth has a way of surfacing, no matter how deeply we try to bury it. Don't you agree?"
Evelyn felt Ben's fingers tighten slightly on her shoulder. "Truth is a complex thing," he replied, his tone deceptively mild. "Often more complex than those who weaponize it understand."
Something flickered across Victoria's perfect features – uncertainty, perhaps, or fear. For a moment, the carefully constructed mask slipped, revealing the insecurity beneath. Then it was gone, replaced by her usual polished smile.
"Well, this has been lovely," she said, adjusting her scarf with practiced elegance. "We really must do it more often. Family is so important, after all."
After she'd gone, Ben pulled Evelyn into his arms, his embrace anchoring her against the storm of emotions. "Tell me," he murmured into her hair.
And so she did. The whole story spilled out – finding the documents, realizing what they meant, the anonymous report she'd filed to protect innocent people. Her voice trembled as she described the guilt that had haunted her, even knowing she'd done the right thing.
When she finished, Ben tilted her face up to his. Instead of judgment, his eyes held a fierce pride that took her breath away. "My brave, beautiful wife," he said softly, thumbs brushing away tears she hadn't realized she'd shed. "Always fighting for what's right, no matter the cost."
"You're not... angry?"
His laugh was gentle as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Angry that you have a moral compass as strong as your heart? That you risked everything to protect others?" His hands framed her face with surprising tenderness. "If anything, it makes me love you more. Though we might need to discuss your definition of 'protecting yourself' – letting Victoria hold this over you was dangerous."
"I was afraid," Evelyn admitted, pressing closer to his warmth. "Not of the truth coming out, but of losing your trust. Of you thinking I could betray you too."
Ben's kiss was fierce and possessive, a claiming that left no room for doubt. When they finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, his eyes held a promise that made her shiver. "You could never lose my trust," he murmured against her lips. "You've carved yourself too deeply into my soul."
Outside, clouds gathered on the horizon, promising another storm. But here in Ben's arms, Evelyn found her perfect shelter. Victoria's threats seemed distant now, rendered powerless by the strength of the love she and Ben shared.
Let the storms come. They would weather them together, devil and angel, darkness and light, each making the other stronger. After all, the most beautiful gardens grew from both sunshine and rain.