“Who is it?”
“Vivian.”
I unlocked the door.
She entered carrying
two cups of tea.
“I thought you might still be awake.”
“You bring tea to all the strangers who marry your unconscious grandson?”
“Only the ones who make him open his eyes.”
She handed me a cup and sat near the fireplace.
I remained standing.
“Who is Mara Ellis?”
Vivian’s hand paused halfway to her cup.
The reaction was slight.
But unmistakable.
“Where did you hear that name?”
“An article.”
“Which article?”
“One about the foundation.”
Vivian set her tea down.
“Mara was a physician and researcher.”
“Was she close to Ethan?”
“They worked together.”
“That isn’t what I asked.”
Her gaze became cool again.
“You have known my grandson for less than a day.”
“And I am already being warned not to trust anyone.”
“By whom?”
I did not answer.
Vivian rose.
“Mara Ellis left the foundation after Ethan’s accident.”
