As I stepped silently through the hallway, still wearing my office uniform, Dad spotted me.
"Hey! Why didn't you get changed, Ariadne?"
"Because you packed all my clothes into those boxes!" I snapped.
A few workers looked up from lifting cartons, startled by my raised voice.
"And what are you all staring at?" I barked sharply. "Back to work!"
Startled, they returned to moving the rest of the boxes.
"Alright, alright," Dad mumbled, rummaging through the boxes. "Let me find where I put your clothes…"
"Forget it," I cut him off. "Let's just move. But—" I leaned closer, lowering my voice, "—where are the devices?"
He motioned subtly toward the sofa. Two suitcases lay tucked behind it.
"Well, fine," I said.
"And what about Nancy?" I asked again, this time more seriously.
"She's already at the new house—with my phone. Probably watching cartoons by now," he said casually.
"When did you send her?"
"Evening. Now grab your suitcase and wait for me in the car. I'll be there in a few."
I nodded, lifted my suitcase, and made my way to the car. I placed it under the back seat and slipped into the front passenger seat, arms folded, mind racing.
Late at Night…
Dad finally appeared, carrying his own suitcase and a box. The workers finished loading the last truck and drove off. He put the items in the back and got into the driver's seat.
"What took you so long? Nancy could be starving!" I snapped. "I still have to cook—"
"Relax. I already bought food from a restaurant. For all of us."
"And that box?"
"It has our nightclothes. I found yours. Nancy's things were all delivered to her house earlier. We'll be staying there tonight. Tomorrow morning, the new nanny will arrive. By then, your new home will be fully set up."
"Mhm…" I exhaled. "I have something important to tell you, Mr. Oak."
"Go ahead."
"I've taken the appointment with the Erdian Company investors."
"Excellent. Did you carry the voice recorder?"
"Always."
"Good. Now—about the nanny. Her name is Amber Dubois. She's top-tier in physical defence. Her cyber defence skills are rated 4.5. She's completed two high-level missions. Childcare, education, household management—all top ratings. Travel experience, 3.5. Seemed like a perfect match for Nancy. What do you think?"
"Sounds solid… Let's just hope she doesn't end up as another obstacle for us."
"Agreed," he nodded quietly.
At Nancy's New House…
I stepped out of the car and looked up.
"What a majestic French house…"
"It's called a Maison De Maître," Dad said as he hauled the suitcases out. "I figured since you're half Italian and half French, you'd be impressed."
"Of course I know it. Italians are very familiar with this style," I replied with a proud smirk. "I used to live in even grander places back when I was the CEO's daughter."
"Well, well. I was just teasing you."
"Good joke, sir."
We both laughed as we walked inside.
"The door's already open," Dad murmured, eyebrows raising.
"Nancy?" I called. "Nancy!"
I walked into the living room—and there she was, curled up on the settee, sleeping peacefully with Dad's phone playing a paused video on her chest.
She had eaten. The food containers were empty on the side table.
"At least she's full," I whispered.
Later that evening, Dad and I sat down at the dining table and ate the food he brought. Quiet, thoughtful, but warm.
The Next Morning…
I left for work early.
After lunch, the CEO and I headed to the Erdian Company for the investment meeting. It was smooth. I secretly recorded every detail on the voice recorder, just as planned.
Later, back at our office—
Mr. Jacobs stepped in.
"Sir, ma'am. Shall we leave now?"
"Actually… something's come up," I said, half-truthfully. "Please excuse me."
Without waiting for a reply, I quickly left the room.
That Night…
I returned to Nancy's house.
The door was open. I stepped inside—and stopped.
There she was.
A tall woman stood calmly in the center of the room, hands folded. Her posture was graceful, commanding. She had a perfectly sculpted figure, long wavy blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, flawless fair skin, and a serene but confident face. Her deep blue eyes scanned me calmly.
She wore a light blue formal suit, paired with a sleek ankle-length skirt. Everything about her screamed elegance and control.
She smiled faintly.
"I presume you're Nancy's sister—Ariadne Oak. Correct?"
I stood frozen, staring at her with wide eyes.