Chapter 23

Before meeting Ezra, Naomi welcomes longtime babysitter Rosita, then privately asks if Rosita believes Naomi is unfit. Rosita insists Naomi is a wonderful mother but refuses to get involved, implying job-related pressure after Jeremy cited her as a witness against Naomi at mediation.

Naomi receives a text from Cora revealing the mistress’s full name—Veronica Chesson—and an address in Scarsdale. Naomi researches the name, finds almost no social media presence, and flags the distance as a sign the address may be outdated. She resolves to investigate, possibly by driving there.

With no more progress possible with Rosita, Naomi sends Teddy off with her and continues probing Veronica’s identity. The lack of an online footprint for a woman in her twenties strikes Naomi as suspicious and deepens her concern about Veronica’s motives and history.

Ezra calls to postpone their office meeting due to court delays and expresses safety concerns about his neighborhood at night. He offers to come to Naomi’s home instead and bring dinner. Naomi steers him toward a nearby organic café, setting the stage for an at-home strategy session.