THE NANNY'S SECRET

Chapter five

Meanwhile, Ethan Hayes had just concluded reviewing the details of the lawsuit threat from his rival, Kingston Duvall, a man as ruthless as he was ambitious.

Deciding this was the height of it, Ethan picked up his phone and dialed Kingston’s number, his jaw set with determination. The line rang twice before it was picked up, and Kingston's cold, mocking voice greeted him.

“Ethan, to what do I owe the pleasure?” Kingston's tone was dripping with false cordiality.

“I’m not here to play games, Kingston.” Ethan said, his voice steely, “What's the endgame? You really think a lawsuit is going to stop me?”

Kingston chuckled darkly, “It's not about stopping you, Ethan. It's about making you bleed, watching you squirm. You’ve been riding too high for too long. It's time someone brought you down a notch.”

Ethan's grip tightened on the phone, “You're playing with fire. Back off. Or you’ll regret it.”

“Is that a threat? Kingston asked, his voice turning icy. “Careful, Ethan. This could get ugly.”

“It's a promise,” Ethan shot back, before ending the call.

He sat back on his chair, the conversation replaying in his head. Kingston was more deadly than ever and Ethan knew that there was more to it, than just business.

…..🌵

Later that day, Lena found herself once again, trying to connect with Sophia, who was proving to be more challenging than she expected.

“Sophia, would you like me to help you pack your hair?” hoping to bond with her over something as simple as hair styling.

Sophia, who was sitting in front of the mirror in her bedroom, turned and gave Lena a defiant look, “No, No one touches my hair except Daddy.”

Lena was taken aback by the firmness in the little girl's voice, “I understand, Sophia, but maybe I can help just once.”

Sophia shook her head, her tiny hands gripping the brush tightly, “I said no! Only daddy can do it!”

Lena sighed, knowing that using the issue would only make things worse, “Alright, Sophia. But I'm here if you need anything else.”

Sophia didn't respond, instead turning back to the mirror, and awkwardly trying to brush her hair on her own. It was clear that she was struggling , but her stubbornness kept her from asking for help. Lena watched her with a mixture of sympathy and concern, knowing that it wouldn't be easy to earn Sophia's trust.”

Back at Ethan’s office, Ethan’s phone buzzed, it was a message from the club manager. Arielle accepted the offer.

Ethan smirked at the message, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. He quickly typed out a response. Tell her she’s performing for me tomorrow night. Make sure she’s ready for a private session online.

As soon as the message was sent, Ethan leaned back in his chair, his mind already wandering to the performance he anticipated.

Ethan left his office with a heavy heart. The conversation with Kingston had left him thinking. He slid into the back seat. As Tom drove through the bustling streets, his thoughts kept drifting back to the performer, Arielle.

The drive home was quick, and as he pulled into the driveway of his sprawling estate, he felt a bit calmer. His home was another place where he could focus on what mattered most - his daughter.

Hearing her father’s car horn, Sophia immediately made her way downstairs, the sound of tiny footsteps running down the hallway.

Ethan had a small smile playing at the corner of his lips, as he saw Sophia running towards him, her eyes filled with excitement and joy.

“Daddy!” She exclaimed, her voice filled with pure joy, as she clung herself into his arms, and Ethan lifted her up effortlessly, holding her close.

“Hey, sweetheart.” Ethan murmured, pressing a kiss on her head. “Did you have a good day?”

Sophia nodded eagerly, her golden curls bouncing, “Yes, but I missed you Daddy. Will you pack my hair please?”

Ethan chuckled, touched by her request, “Of course, sweetheart, let's go to your room.”

He carried her up to the grand staircase, Sophia's tiny hands wrapped around his neck, as they reached Sophia's room, he sat her down gently on the edge of the bed, reaching for the brush on her nightstand.

Sophia turned her back to him, allowing Ethan to carefully gather her curls into neat braids. “I love it when you do my hair, daddy,” she said softly.

“I love it too, princess.” He said, taking his time, ensuring every strand was in place, just the way she liked it.

As Ethan finished packing the hair, he heard a soft knock on the door. He turned to see Lena standing in the doorway, a warm smile on her face.

“Good evening, Mr Hayes,” Lena greeted him politely, her tone professional.

“Good evening Lena,” Ethan replied, his eyes meeting hers briefly. Sophia looked over her shoulder at Lena, her expression turning guarded. “Lena doesn't know how to pack my hair like you do, Daddy,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of possessiveness.

Ethan smiled at his daughter, but his gaze returned to Lena. “I’ll do my best to bond with Sophia and make her happy , Mr Hayes.”

As Lena spoke, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced down at the screen, it was a message from her manager: You're performing tomorrow night for the mystery man. Be ready .

Lena's stomach was filled with anxiety. She had agreed to the job out of desperation, she needed to save up money, to start her fashion brand and also for her father’s medical bills, but the thought of performing privately for someone she didn't know filled her with dread. She quickly pocketed her phone, hoping Ethan didn't notice the momentary shift in her demeanor.

But Ethan had noticed, he was very observant, and something about Lena's sudden distraction piqued his interest. “Is everything okay?” he asked, his tone gentle but probing.

“Yes, everything is fine.” Lena replied quickly, forcing a smile. “Just a reminder.

About an appointment I have tomorrow.”

Ethan nodded in response, even though he wasn't clearly convinced, he didn't want to press further. “Alright….If you need to adjust your schedule for tomorrow, just let me know.”

“Of course Mr Hayes. I will. Thank you.” Lena nodded, even though her heart was a mix of emotions, she really hoped she could keep up with the act. Thankfully she had her own separate room, where she could perform privately.