Chapter 169

Clara Walton had fallen from grace—now she was basically worthless in everyone's eyes. Ethan Blackwood and Fiona Barrington didn’t say a word about the rumors. Neither did Clara. It was like she vanished from River City—completely off the grid. But Fiona knew the truth—Clara wasn’t missing. She was being kept under Ethan's watch. And honestly, Fiona would’ve loved nothing more than for Clara to totally disappear. Like, forever. That dark thought flickered in her eyes for a second before fading away. She turned just as she heard Ethan stirring in the other room. “Dinner’s almost ready. Go wash your hands,” Fiona said softly, her voice sweet. She played the perfect housewife role, full of affection. Ethan replied with a brief “Mm,” like he was snapped out of some daze. He didn’t know why, but every time Fiona acted like this, it reminded him of Clara. Back when they were married, Clara always made sure dinner was ready the moment he walked through the door. The house? Always spotless. Sh