Chapter 281

Night had fallen. A sleek black van slowly pulled into the villa’s driveway. Daniel Richards had clearly had more than a few drinks. As he stepped out, his footing was unsteady, prompting the driver to reach out and steady him. “Mr. Richards, careful.” Daniel waved him off. “I’m fine.” He tossed his suit jacket over one arm and walked inside leisurely. But as he bent down to change shoes at the entrance, he froze for a moment. Bathed in the warm glow of the hallway light, Ruby Henderson was coming down from the second floor—probably just heading to get a glass of water. She glanced over at the noise, then also stopped in her tracks. His voice was a little scratchy. “Thirsty? Hold on, I’ll get it.” Ruby shook her head. “No need, I can manage.” She was in the final stages of pregnancy, and her steps were slow and careful. She eventually made it to the pantry, grabbed a glass, filled it with warm water, and took a few sips. Then she paused—there were footsteps behind her. A second later,