CHAPTER 3
1239 Words
The next morning, Olivia awoke feeling more settled in her new role. The bond she was forming with Emma filled her with a sense of purpose, and despite the mysterious distance Alexander maintained, she felt like she was beginning to understand the man beneath the cold exterior. She had barely finished getting dressed when there was a soft knock at her door.
“Come in,” she called.
Margaret appeared, her expression as unreadable as ever. “Mr. Hayes has requested to see you in his office after breakfast.”
Olivia’s brows furrowed. “Did he say why?”
“No,” Margaret said curtly. “But when Mr. Hayes requests something, it’s best not to keep him waiting.”
After breakfast, Olivia made her way to Alexander’s office, heart pounding. What could he possibly want? Had she done something wrong? The door was slightly ajar, and she hesitated before knocking.
“Come in,” Alexander’s deep voice called.
She stepped inside, and he gestured for her to take a seat across from his grand mahogany desk. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows behind him, casting long shadows across the room.
“I wanted to discuss something with you,” he said, his gaze piercing. “Emma has taken a strong liking to you.”
Olivia sat straighter. “I care about her a great deal.”
“That’s evident,” he said. “And it’s why I need to ask you something important.”
She frowned slightly. “What is it?”
Alexander leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “Would you consider becoming Emma’s legal guardian in the event something were to happen to me?”
Olivia’s breath caught. “Excuse me?”
“I understand this is sudden,” he continued. “But my position comes with risks. I’ve made plenty of enemies in the business world, and I need to ensure Emma is protected no matter what.”
Olivia swallowed hard. “Mr. Hayes, that’s a huge responsibility. I’m honored you trust me, but… why now?”
He exhaled slowly. “There have been some recent threats. Nothing concrete, but I won’t take any chances where Emma is concerned.”
Olivia’s mind whirled. She had only been here a short time, yet Alexander was already trusting her with something so enormous. Before she could answer, a loud crash sounded from outside the office, followed by a piercing scream.
Both Olivia and Alexander jumped to their feet. Alexander reached the door first and yanked it open. Olivia gasped at the sight before them. A man dressed in all black had grabbed Emma, who was struggling against him. Margaret was on the floor, a broken vase scattered around her.
“Let her go!” Alexander’s voice was sharp and lethal.
The intruder smirked. “Stay back, or the girl gets hurt.”
Olivia’s instincts kicked in. She knew Emma’s safety was the priority. Without thinking, she grabbed the nearest object—a heavy paperweight from Alexander’s desk—and hurled it at the intruder. The metal struck him on the side of the head, making him stumble.
Alexander seized the opportunity, lunging forward and yanking Emma out of the man’s grip. The intruder regained his balance and bolted for the nearest window, shattering the glass as he made his escape.
Emma clung to Alexander, sobbing. Olivia rushed forward, checking her over. “Are you hurt?”
Emma shook her head, but her tiny frame trembled with fear.
Alexander’s entire body was rigid with barely contained fury. He turned to Margaret, who was slowly getting to her feet. “Are you alright?”
She nodded weakly. “Just a little shaken.”
Olivia’s pulse was still racing. “Who was that? And why was he after Emma?”
Alexander clenched his jaw. “I don’t know. But I’m going to find out.”
For the first time, Olivia saw real fear in his eyes—fear for his daughter. And in that moment, she knew she was no longer just Emma’s nanny.
She was part of something much bigger, something dangerous.
And there was no turning back now.
The police arrived shortly after, securing the perimeter and taking statements from everyone in the house. Olivia sat with Emma in the living room, holding the little girl close as she slowly calmed down. Alexander, meanwhile, stood by the fireplace, speaking in hushed yet furious tones to the police officers.
Margaret appeared with a cup of tea, placing it in front of Olivia. “She’ll be alright,” she murmured, nodding toward Emma. “She’s stronger than she looks.”
Olivia glanced down at the little girl nestled against her, exhaustion finally lulling her into a light sleep. “She shouldn’t have to be strong like this,” Olivia whispered back.
Margaret’s lips thinned. “No, she shouldn’t.”
A moment later, Alexander rejoined them. His gaze softened slightly at the sight of Emma sleeping against Olivia. “The police will increase patrols around the estate. And I’ll be hiring additional security.”
Olivia nodded, still shaken. “Do you have any idea who that man was?”
Alexander hesitated. “No. But I intend to find out.”
She could tell he wasn’t giving her the full story, but she didn’t press him. Instead, she asked, “Is Emma safe here?”
His jaw clenched. “She will be.”
Later that night, Olivia lay awake in her room, unable to shake the events of the day. A part of her wanted to pack her bags and leave—this was far beyond anything she had signed up for. But another part of her, the stronger part, couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Emma vulnerable.
She was still deep in thought when a knock sounded at her door. She sat up. “Come in.”
Alexander stepped inside, his expression unreadable. “I didn’t wake you, did I?”
“No,” she said softly. “I doubt I’ll be getting much sleep tonight.”
He nodded, leaning against the doorframe. “Me either.”
There was a beat of silence before he finally said, “I need to tell you something.”
Olivia tensed. “Go on.”
He hesitated, as if weighing his words. “The threats I mentioned earlier… they weren’t just vague warnings. Someone has been targeting me for months now.”
Her stomach twisted. “Who?”
“I don’t know,” he admitted. “But today proved that whoever it is, they’re willing to go after Emma.”
Olivia swallowed hard. “And you think it’s because of your business?”
He sighed. “That’s the most likely explanation. I’ve made plenty of enemies.”
She studied him carefully. For all his power and control, there was something raw in his eyes now—something vulnerable.
“You don’t have to do this alone,” she found herself saying.
He met her gaze, something unreadable flickering in his expression. “I don’t trust easily, Olivia.”
“I’m not asking for your trust,” she replied. “Just let me help.”
He exhaled slowly. “I’ll think about it.”
As he turned to leave, Olivia knew one thing for certain—this was only the beginning. And whatever danger lay ahead, she wouldn’t back down.
Not for Emma. Not for herself.
And maybe, just maybe… not for Alexander either.
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