Page 36 of A Mistake of Identity
The car fell quiet again, but it was a different kind of silence. Ellis watched raindrops race down the window, thinking about Gabriel caught between being a good son and a good CEO. About how maybe he wasn’t the only one struggling with who he was supposed to be.
The Lafayette Square manor appeared ahead, and Ellis could see Jean’s blonde head bobbing impatiently at the front door, clearly waiting for him. Something in his chest loosened at the sight.
Alain pulled into the private drive, placing the car in park before fully turning to face Ellis. “I have never seen Gabrielcare for someone the way he cares for you. Please, don’t let Maximilien’s words or actions get to you. Shower. Rest. Watch the terrible movies Jean seems to enjoy.”
Ellis swallowed hard, meeting Alain’s gaze. “Thank you,” he managed, the words feeling inadequate for the quiet understanding Alain had shown. The driver gave him a small nod, something protective in his eyes that tightened Ellis’ chest.
Before he could overthink it, Ellis slipped out of the Mercedes into a drizzle. Jean practically flew down the front steps, wrapping him in a fierce hug that smelled of expensive cologne—Lucas’ influence, no doubt.
At the top of the stairs, a mountain of a man watched Jean’s enthusiastic greeting with careful attention, his dark eyes scanning the street even as he tracked Jean’s movements. His olive-skinned face remained impassive, but there was something reassuring about the quiet efficiency of his presence. This must be Peter, the shadow Lucas had discussed assigning to Jean during business hours. He must have started today.
“All society men are awful,” Jean declared against Ellis’ shoulder, the words muffled but vehement. “Absolute monsters, every single one.”
Ellis stiffened, his stomach dropping. The household already knew what had happened in Gabriel’s office. Humiliation crashed over him in a hot wave, making him want to crawl out of his skin.
But why? Why did this matter so much? He’d been thrown out of cars, had men refuse to pay, had been called every degrading name imaginable. He’d serviced men in alleys and back rooms who treated him like garbage, and he’d walked away without a second thought. But Maximilien’s dismissal had cut deep. The casual transfer of money. That contemptuous glance that reduced him to exactly what he was. Why did this make him want to disappear?
And now everyone knew. The thought made his chest tight with panic. They all knew exactly what had happened, how Maximilien had put him in his place. Had reminded everyone that no matter what Gabriel said, no matter how they treated him, at his core, he was still just a whore who could be bought and dismissed.
“Allons-y,” Jean tugged at his arm, pulling him toward the house. “Lucas said we could order whatever we want for dinner and watch movies until we pass out.”
“I need to shower first. And change.”
“Sure! Oh! Annabelle left your new wardrobe in Gabriel’s room. Meet me in the entertainment room when you’re done!” Jean bounded off toward the house, Peter following like a silent shadow.
Ellis made his way upstairs, movements mechanical. The borrowed suit felt wrong against his skin, the fabric a constant reminder of the afternoon. He unbuttoned his shirt with trembling fingers, dropping everything down the laundry chute before stepping into the shower.
The hot water didn’t help. He went through his routine automatically—shampoo, soap, rinse. When he entered Gabriel’s walk-in closet, he stopped short. Half the space had been transformed, filled with new clothes in his size. A note in Annabelle’s elegant handwriting was pinned to the nearest hanger, explaining these were for him.
Ellis stared at the clothes, unable to process this recent development. Instead, he reached for Gabriel’s drawer, pulling out one of his soft shirts and a pair of sweatpants. Something about wearing Gabriel’s clothes settled him. It made him feel grounded in a way he couldn’t explain.
Downstairs, he found Jean sprawled across the entertainment room couch, phone in hand. Across the room,Peter sat in a chair positioned to see both Jean and the door, his dark eyes flicking between his tablet and his charge.
Jean hadn’t acknowledged Peter once since Ellis arrived—hadn’t even glanced his way. Knowing Jean, this stubborn refusal to accept his extra shadow was precisely calculated to irritate Lucas. The fact that Peter seemed utterly unbothered by the silent treatment probably annoyed Jean.
“I’m thinking sushi,” Jean announced without looking up. “That okay?”
“I’ve only had it once,” Ellis admitted, curling into the opposite corner of the couch. “On my birthday a few years back. It was good.”
Jean looked up then, his expression softening. “Ellis, I’m so sorry about what happened at Gabriel’s office.”
Ellis’ stomach clenched. “Word’s already spread?”
“Lucas told Alain, who told Annabelle and Jacob to have comfort food and tea ready... and well, you know how household gossip works.” Jean shrugged at Ellis’ blank look. “Oh. I guess you wouldn’t. But yeah, the staff always knows everything. It’s like a law of nature or something.”
Jean turned back to his phone, scrolling through menu options. “That’s how society works, you know. Rich men using people until they get bored. Using them up and moving on.” His voice had taken on a bitter edge. “They think money makes everything okay.”
“Is Gabriel...” Ellis couldn’t finish the question.
Jean laughed, but there was no humor in it. “Of course. The Rohans are no exception. Why do you think Maximilien transferred that money so easily? It’s what they do.”
Ellis pulled out his phone, staring at the notification again. “What should I do with it?”
“Keep it,” Jean said immediately, looking surprised at the question. “Put it in your go-bag account.”
“My what?”
Jean sat up, staring at Ellis with genuine confusion. “Your go-bag account. You know, the money you keep separate in case you need to leave?”
