McNeil''s voice was ice-cold. "Mr. Campbell makes it sound so easy-he seduced another man''s wife and still manages to look like the noble one."


    He turned on his heel, not bothering to look back. Stein''s driver, who had overheard McNeil''s words, exchanged a nce with him. Their families had served the Campbells for generations.


    "General, want me to teach that guy a lesson?" the driver asked quietly.


    Stein didn''t seem the least bit bothered. "Let it go. Just drive."


    When McNeil slid into his own car, the nanny caught sight of his stormy expression and immediately shrank back, barely daring to breathe.


    The truth was, Mr. Langford was usually a gentle man. He wasn''t much of a talker, but he was genuinely good to his wife and children. The household staff often whispered that he even owned apany and was quite wealthy.


    The nanny had worked in a few upscale homes before, and she''d always harbored doubts about Mrs. Langford''s status. Couples with that kind of closeness were rare among the rich-it was usually the mistress who got pampered like that.


    Mr. Langford spent nearly all his time at home, doting on his wife and kids. The nanny couldn''t recall ever seeing him leave the house.


    Later, she overheard a bit of gossip: apparently, Mr. and Mrs. Langford were already divorced. Now it was Mr. Langford clinging to her, afraid to leave her side because Mrs. Langford had plenty of suitors. He simply couldn''t bear to be apart from her.


    Thankfully, the children were sound asleep. Even so, the nanny felt a heavy pressure in the air with Mr. Langford''s dark mood. She unconsciously lowered her head, trying to make herself invisible.


    McNeil kept his eyes fixed on the front door, waiting. Before long, Victoria emerged.


    He signaled the driver to pull the car around to a discreet spot with a good view. As soon as Victoria got in, they headed for home.


    "Take us back," McNeil said quietly to the driver.


    He took a shortcut, arriving at the house nearly ten minutes ahead of Victoria.


    When Victoria finally returned, McNeil was in the kitchen preparing ingredients, nning to cook her avish meal.


    Their eyes met, just for a moment, before Victoria turned away and went straight to check on the children.


    McNeil''s gaze followed her, lingering as she disappeared into the kids'' room and waited until she came back out.


    "You went to see Stein this


    afternoon?" he asked, unable to keep


    the


    n in as Victoria sat


    the


    kitchen ind and picked up a slice of watermelon.


    She looked at him, brows furrowing slightly. "Were you following me?"


    A mocking smile curled at McNeil''s lips. "Was it Stein who told you?"


    Victoria pushed her chair back and stood, her face pale. "McNeil, have I not made myself clear? You''re you, and I''m me. I only let you stay here 1


    for the sake of the children. you


    pull this again-"


    She broke off, not bothering to finish.


    McNeil reached across the counter and caught her arm. "Victoria, do you really


    think Stein loves you?"


    His jaw was tight, anger burning in his eyes.


    She wrenched her arm free, her face expressionless, her gaze cool. "Whatever''s between me and Stein has nothing to do with you."


    He moved around the ind and grabbed her wrist, holding her still.


    The staff, sensing the tension, quietly slipped out of the room, careful not to intrude.


    "Yes,


    his voice low. "But you''re still th We''re divorced," McNeil said, of my children. You bet


    how fake he is with you.''


    no


    Victoria let out a coldugh. "Oh, he''s not genuine? And you are, McNeil? If you''re


    so sincere, why did we end up divorced?"


    Her eyes cut right through him. McNeil was at a loss for words, color rising to his cheeks.


    Finally, he let go of her wrist. "We''re missing a fruit tter for lunch. I''ll go cut some up."


    Victoria''s reply was t: "Don''t bother. I''ll be eating outter anyway."