Chapter 3 - THE PRIVATE QUARTERS
The nanny’s suite was located on the third floor of the east wing, far away from the grand, formal reception rooms of the first floor.
It was larger than Serena’s entire apartment in Astoria.
The walls were painted a soft, warm cream, the floors covered in thick, hand-woven rugs that muffled the sound of her footsteps. There was a small living room with a stone fireplace, a kitchenette equipped with brand-new appliances, and two large bedrooms connected by a shared bathroom.
Through the tall arched windows, Serena could see the dark outline of the gardens below, the security lights casting long, silver bars across the wet grass.
“Is this okay?” Mrs. Chen asked, standing in the doorway with a stack of fresh, white linens.
“It’s beautiful,” Serena whispered, her hand running over the soft velvet of the sofa. “It’s... it’s more than I expected.”
“Mr. Rinaldi does not do things halfway,” the housekeeper said. She set the linens on the bed. “Especially when he wants something to succeed. He has gone through twelve nannies in twelve months, Serena. The boys are... they are difficult, yes, but they are not the only reason the others left.”
Serena turned, her brow furrowing. “What do you mean?”
“The father,” Mrs. Chen said, her voice dropping to a whisper as she looked toward the hallway. “He is a man of secrets, Serena. He does not sleep. He walks the halls at night. Sometimes you will hear him in the study, talking to people who do not exist in the official records of his company. The police are always watching this house. The lawyers are always here.”
“I’m not here for his secrets, Mrs. Chen,” Serena said, her voice hardening. “I’m here for my daughter. I have a custody hearing in two weeks. If I don't keep this job, the state will give her to her father—a man who hasn't paid a dime of child support in six months but wants her because it looks good on his tax returns.”
Mrs. Chen’s expression softened, a deep, maternal pity in her eyes. “I understand. A mother’s love is a heavy shield. But be careful, Serena. In this house, the walls have ears, and the cameras do not only watch the gates.”
After the housekeeper left, Serena sat on the edge of the large bed.
Her phone buzzed.
It was her attorney, Marcus.
Serena, Daniel’s lawyer just filed an emergency motion. They’re claiming your temporary housing is unsafe. We need that contract signed by Rinaldi by Monday morning, or the judge might grant temporary custody to Daniel before the hearing. How did the interview go?
Serena’s fingers flew over the keyboard.
I got the job. The contract will be signed tomorrow. I’ll send you the details as soon as I have them.
She set the phone down and pressed her palms against her eyes.
She was in.
May you like
She had secured the sanctuary.
But as she lay down on the soft bed, the distant, rhythmic sound of the October rain against the window felt less like a lullaby and more like a warning.
