**SARAH’S POV**
I led Miss Ross to the dining room, breathing a sigh of relief as it seemed my playful distraction had worked. Soft morning light streamed through the window, brightening the room. With my arms still wrapped around her shoulders, I gently guided her into a chair.
She settled into the seat, crossing her arms, her eyes losing their tense edges.
“Let me go make you some steeped tea first,” I said with a wide smile, turning towards the kitchen.
“Make it two cups,” Miss Ross added, her voice softer now.
“At your service, madam.” With a smile, I flashed a jaunty salute and whisked into the kitchen. As I prepared the tea, I heard faint footsteps approaching, mingling with the sound of clinking dishes.
I tilted my head to the doorway, and my gaze met Erin’s as she sauntered into the kitchen. A suitcase rolled beside her, accompanied by a small purse clutched in her hand. Her face was a mask of neutrality, eyes fixed ahead, and lips pressed into a thin line. The only hint of emotion was the subtle tension in her jaw.
Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, we just stared, and I felt a pang of unease. In that instant, I noticed something flash in her eyes.
The deep blue shade flickered with defeat; her usual sly smile was non-existent, and for once, there was an intense seriousness in her expression.
Her hand drooped down, her purse sliding from her arm as her lip pursed. Her gaze never left mine as she stepped forward, her movement slow and deliberate.
I crossed my arms defensively across my chest, my gaze fierce and piercing. I refused to give her the chance of getting the better of me again. “What do you want?” I asked, my tone flat and bored.
Erin looked away, her lips twisted as she stared into nothing in particular. “You won,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “He loves you, and now I’m kicked out.”
My expression softened slowly, and I released my crossed arms, letting them hang loose. “Loves me? What do you mean?” My curious gaze never left her as I watched her stare into empty space, her lips continuing to twitch as if she was barely containing her defeat.
Her gaze returned to me, now cold and fierce, her face twisted in a way that reminded me of our last confrontation. “You know what I mean,” she finally replied, her tone ambiguous.
“I don’t understand what you’re talking about, Erin,” I said, my tone cautious as i feign obliviousness.
Erin’s laughter was harsh, lacking its usual melodic quality. “Don’t play dumb, Sarah. You know exactly what I’m talking about. You’ve won him over, and now I’m left with nothing.” She clipped her every word, emphasizing her anger.
“Sarah, dear, how’s the tea coming along?” Miss Ross’s voice drifted from the dining room.
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. “Almost ready, Miss Ross.”
Erin’s gaze snapped to the dining room, her expression darkening. “So, you’re playing housewife now? How quaint.”
My eyes narrowed. “What’s your problem, Erin?”
She took another step forward, her voice dripping with venom. “My problem is you. You’ve ruined everything.”
The tension between us was palpable, and I stood firm, refusing to back down. “Too bad for you….” I trailed off when I noticed Miss Ross’s sudden appearance at the kitchen doorway, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Everything alright, dear?”
Erin’s mask slipped, revealing a glimmer of desperation. “Just leaving, Miss Ross.”
Miss Ross’s gaze shifted to the suitcase, her brow furrowing. “Oh? Where are you off to?”
Erin’s smile was forced, her gaze never leaving mine. “Just a little vacation.”
I raised an eyebrow, skeptically. I thought she said she was kicked out a while ago. I wondered what her motives were and the hidden meaning behind her words. Vacation? What the hell is she planning?
“When will you be back?” Miss Ross’s gentle voice pulled me out of my thoughts. “Is there a problem?” she asked, her concern etched on her face.
I placed my hand on Miss Ross’s shoulder, a mocking smile spreading on my face as I fixed my gaze on Erin. “No, Miss Ross, don’t worry, there is no problem at all. She is leaving permanently, and she will be gone in a minute.”
Erin’s eyes flashed with anger, but she bit back her retort, forcing a wry smile. “Goodbye, Miss Ross,” she said, her voice barely audible. She then tossed a stern glance my way before spinning on her heel to leave.
As the door closed behind her, Miss Ross turned to me, her shoulder raised in a careless shrug. “Well, that was odd.”
I turned to her, my brow knitted in a deep frown. “What just happened?”
She nodded, her gaze distant as she watched Erin roll her suitcase behind her. “Yeah, why is she leaving all of a sudden? I thought she had nowhere to go.”
I shrugged, brushing off the question. She has no clue of what’s going on and intended to keep it that way, or perhaps Mr. Clinton might do the explaining.
Just then, the aroma of steeped tea filled the air, and Miss Ross smiled, knowing it was ready. I turned back to the counter, but Miss Ross offered to serve the tea herself. She expertly poured the steaming liquid into delicate china cups, her vibrant smile never faltering.
Miss Ross handed me a cup, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Here you go, drink up quickly, and cook my spaghetti,” she said with a playful stern voice.
I chuckled and took a sip, savoring the soothing warmth spreading through my chest. I felt a sense of relief washing over me, every pang of unease I had ever felt before dissipating.
With Erin finally out of the way, I could focus on my ultimate goal. I had only two months to win the bet and unravel the mystery surrounding Mr. Clinton’s reserved heart, and nothing was going to stand in my way. A sly smile spread across my face as I recalled Erin’s parting words: “He loves you.”
I felt a surge of confidence, grateful for Erin’s unintentional confirmation. Now I knew for sure.
Just as I was savoring my newfound confidence, Mr. Clinton strolled in, his hand casually dipped in his pocket. His brown eyes and chiseled features greeted me, and for a moment, a spark of desire flared in me-stronger than it had ever been, more resolved to bend this stubborn man to my will, proving he was not devoid of any feelings, as he claimed.