"Finally, the virus is gone!" I breathed a sigh of relief.
"Very well," Dad said calmly. "So, what's his schedule for tomorrow?"
"Umm…" I opened my briefcase, pulled out the calendar. "Nothing too special. Just a meeting with the fashion designers and the CCO. Nothing unexpected, sir."
"Good. But keep this voice recorder with you."
He handed me a small device. "Record anything suspicious. Meetings especially—with investors or anyone external."
"Yes, sir."
He gave a nod and walked away.
I crashed onto my bed and fell asleep.
Meanwhile…
Inside the black limousine of Crimson Night...
"As expected from our dear betrayer. She did the exact same thing with Northern Dark..."
Crimson Night smirked, eyes locked onto her laptop screen.
"Oh, dear… Dharwk..." Her whisper trailed off as her grin widened.
The Next Morning
I was in the kitchen, multitasking between making breakfast and lunch. To my surprise, Dad was still home—seated on the couch, reading the newspaper.
"Why didn't you go to work?" I asked.
"I've been thinking… about leaving this place. And hiring a professional nanny for Nancy."
"What? Are you out of your mind?"
"You forget that woman. She knows you're living with me—and she knows about Nancy. If we stay as we are, we're exposed. It's not safe."
"Ooh… so that's why you're staying back today. Right?"
"No. I'm going back to work tomorrow. Don't worry—she won't reveal anything to anyone but the Boss and the heads. A meeting's scheduled day after tomorrow to discuss this. For now, I'm going to Morgan Mallet Academy… to hire a nanny. We'll all be placed separately."
"But—"
"No more discussion."
I sighed. "Hmm."
Then shoved the last bite of bread in my mouth and left the rest of the serving to Dad and Nancy.
Grabbing my briefcase, I walked out.
At the Office
As I passed through the hallway, everyone greeted me like clockwork.
"Good morning, Ms. Caroline."
I walked straight to his room.
Knocked. "May I come in, sir?"
"Yes, come in."
David shut his laptop and looked up.
"So, what's my schedule today, Ms. Garnier?"
"At 2 p.m., you have a meeting with the CCO and our company's fashion designers," I reported professionally.
"Only that?" He raised a brow.
"Yes."
"Fine. Then set an appointment with the investors from Erdian Company for tomorrow."
"Yes, sir."
He sounded unusually serious today. Not like his usual self—no flirtation, no sly glances.
And honestly… that was a relief.
At Morgan Mallet Academy
Mr. Thomas sat across from the principal.
"I need an elite nanny for my daughter. Someone trained. Capable."
"Of course, sir. We offer experienced nannies in categories like cyber-defense, physical defense, and childcare."
The principal gestured to a digital folder. "What kind do you prefer?"
"Self-defense."
"Ah, those cost 200 million."
"Money's not a concern. But I want the best."
"Understood. Here are some profiles."
Thomas reviewed them quietly. Then, finally, handed one over.
"This one."
The principal looked at the file.
"Amber Dubois—specialized in physical defense. Excellent choice. She'll be at your home tomorrow morning."
"Here's the new address. Send her there," he said, passing a filled form.
The address he gave wasn't his own—it was mine. Better she knew only what she had to.
Document Submission:
Child's Name: Nancy Oak
Native Language: French
School: [REDACTED]
Parent's Name: Thomas Oak
Guardian's Name: Ariadne Oak (Child's Sister)
Parent's Occupation: Director, Food Company
Guardian's Occupation: –
Child's Address: [REDACTED]
Nanny's Name: Amber Dubois
Specialization: Physical Defense
"All set, sir," the principal confirmed.
"Thank you."
And with that, the deal was made.
But something told him this was only the beginning of a much deeper game.