Chapter 9 - A Mother’s Choice
The next morning broke clear and brilliant over the mountains. The sun reflected off the fresh snow, painting the sky in shades of gold, crisp pink, and vibrant blue.
In the central dining room, a table had been prepared—not with silver cloches or icy formality, but with a warm, rich breakfast spread of fresh pastries, scrambled eggs, fruit, and warm chocolate.
Lily sat in a high chair at the head of the table, happily painting a toasted waffle with a generous amount of maple syrup, her hands covered in sticky sweetness. Hannah sat beside her, wearing clean, comfortable clothes that the estate staff had provided, looking rested for the first time in months.
Vincent sat at the side of the table, reading a morning paper, a cup of dark coffee in his hand.
"Mr. Caruso," Hannah said, wiping a dab of syrup off Lily’s chin with a napkin. "We should probably pack our things and head back to the city. My shift ended hours ago."
Vincent lowered his paper, looking at her over the edge of the pages. "You aren't going back to that apartment in the city, Hannah."
Hannah paused, her hand freezing mid-air. "What do you mean?"
"The building you live in is owned by a shell company affiliated with the Morettis," Vincent explained calmly. "I bought the building three hours ago, evicted the tenants who were working for Sal, and ordered a complete renovation of the property. It won't be ready for months."
"Oh," Hannah said, her face falling slightly. "I... I see. Then I'll have to find a small motel until—"
"You won't stay in a motel," Vincent interrupted firmly. "There is a guest house on the south end of this property. It has three bedrooms, a private garden, and its own heating system. It was built for my sister before she moved to Europe. It has been sitting empty for two years."
Hannah stared at him, completely stunned. "Mr. Caruso... I can't live in your guest house. I'm a housekeeper!"
"You were a housekeeper," Vincent corrected her smoothly, setting his paper down on the table. "As of this morning, you are the chief coordinator of household security and staff management for this estate. You will oversee all daily operations, you will report directly to me, and your salary will be three times what Clean Express was paying you."
Hannah’s jaw dropped. "I... I don't know what to say. I don't have experience managing a property like this!"
"You managed to raise a bright, fearless little girl while working three jobs and dealing with an asthma condition," Vincent said, his tone absolute and unwavering. "That requires more managerial skill than any corporate executive I’ve ever hired. Besides... Lily needs a place with fresh air and room to run."
May you like
Lily looked up at the sound of her name, her cheeks covered in syrup, giving Vincent a bright, wide smile. "I like running, Mister Vinnie!"
Vincent’s sharp, serious face cracked into a broad, genuine smile—a sight that his guards had not seen in over a decade. "I know you do, little one. I know you do."
