She Took a Babysitting Job at a Billionaire’s Mansion — Then She Fell for the Son Who Thought She Didn’t Belong There
Chapter 6
The rumors started at Westbridge.
People noticed Ethan and Emma leaving campus together.
Some assumed she was only interested in the Harper family money.
Others assumed Ethan was playing another game.
Emma ignored it.
Ethan didn’t.
One afternoon, he confronted a student who made a joke about her.
“Say it again.”
The student laughed.
“Relax, Harper.”
Ethan stepped closer.
“Don’t talk about her like that.”
Emma pulled him back.
“Stop.”
He looked at her.
“Why?”
“Because I don’t need you fighting people for me.”
“I’m not fighting for you.”
“Then what are you doing?”
He paused.
“Defending someone I care about.”
She went silent.
That evening, Emma found him in the kitchen.
“You shouldn’t have done that.”
“I know.”
“Then why did you?”
“Because it made me angry.”
“Why?”
He looked at her.
“Because they were wrong.”
She smiled faintly.
“You’re becoming protective.”
“I’ve always been protective.”
“Not of me.”
“Maybe that’s what’s changed.”
The room became quiet.
Emma looked away.
She knew something was happening.
And she was afraid to name it.
