Your face is very clear. She sat down. So, yes, I saw the photo of you kissing some rich woman in evening gown while wearing your work uniform, and now her lawyer is coming here. Her name is Victoria Sterling. She runs a company.
Her ex-fiance has been stalking her and trying to destroy her career. Last night, she panicked when she saw him and she asked me to pretend to be her husband. Mrs. Rodriguez's eyebrows went up. And you said yes to this insanity. I said yes because she looked like I felt 3 years ago in that hospital, like she was drowning and needed someone to throw her a line.
Mijo. Mrs. Rodriguez's expression softened. Your heart is too big for your common sense. This woman is going to complicate your life in ways you haven't thought through. Probably, but I already said yes, and now there are photos and articles.
I can't exactly call the newspaper and tell them it was all a misunderstanding. Just promise me you'll protect Lily first before you protect this stranger who kissed you at a party. Lily's always first. That's not negotiable. Jennifer Chen arrived at exactly 8:47 a.m. Mid-40s, Chinese American, wearing a suit that probably cost more than Ethan's monthly rent, carrying a leather briefcase that looked like it had survived decades of legal battles.
She shook his hand with professionally firm grip. "Mr. Carter, thank you for meeting on such short notice." I know this situation has escalated quickly. Ethan showed her to the kitchen table. Lily had moved to the living room with Mrs. Rodriguez, both pretending to watch cartoons while clearly trying to eavesdrop.
Jennifer pulled out a tablet and documents. I'm going to ask you questions. Some will feel invasive. All are necessary. If we're going to construct a believable narrative, I need truth first so I can figure out what parts we emphasize.
Emphasize. That's a nice word for lying. We're not lying, Mr. Carter. We're strategically presenting facts. Jennifer's voice carried practice neutrality.
Now, Victoria said, "You met approximately a year ago. Is that accurate?" "No. I met her last night when she grabbed my collar and kissed me in front of 200 people." Jennifer didn't even blink.
But you had encountered her previously. parking garage three weeks ago. You held an elevator door. I hold elevator doors for lots of people. It's called courtesy. Good.
So, we can say you first encountered each other 3 weeks ago. Had subsequent interactions, developed connection that led to relationship. Jennifer typed something. When would you say the relationship became serious? Ethan stared at her.