5

Riley POV I had exactly three suitcases. Okay, four. In my defense, one was only shoes. “You don’t need this many,” Victoria said as she helped me load them into the back of her SUV. “I might.” “You’re only staying temporarily.” “I still need options. You know what they say, better over Pack than u see pack.” She laughed and closed the trunk. “You sound exactly like yourself again.” “I never stopped being myself.” The drive across the city was quiet. I stared out the window, trying to ignore the butterflies throwing a full party in my stomach. Yesterday I was failing at receptionist interviews. Today I was moving into my stepbrother’s mansion to become a nanny. Life really did come at you fast. “You nervous?” Victoria asked. “No.” She glanced over. “You’re twisting your fingers.” I immediately stopped. “I am not nervous.” “You’ve said that three times already.” “…Maybe a little.” She reached over and squeezed my hand. “You’ll be fine.” “I don’t even know what children like.” “They’re not aliens, Riley.” “They’re tiny humans who scream.” She laughed. “They’re actually very sweet.” “They chased away sixteen nannies.” Victoria chose not to respond. That wasn’t exactly comforting. Forty minutes later, we turned through enormous black iron gates. I leaned forward in my seat. “Oh.” The property was breathtaking. A long driveway curved through perfectly manicured gardens, fountains, and tall trees before opening up to a stunning modern mansion. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows reflected the morning sun. Luxury cars gleamed on one side of the circular drive, a basketball court sat near the garage, and I could just make out a swimming pool in the back. “Your son lives here?” I asked, eyes wide. Victoria smiled proudly. “He worked very hard for it.” “I suddenly understand why magazines keep calling him the highest-paid driver in the world.” She parked near the entrance. A middle-aged man in a black suit hurried out to greet us. “Good morning, Mrs. Rossi.” “Good morning, James.” He turned to me with a warm smile. “You must be Miss Hart.” “I am. Nice to meet you.” “Likewise.” James lifted my four suitcases like they weighed nothing. I definitely hired the wrong moving company when I left my apartment. The front doors opened before we reached them. A cheerful woman in her fifties greeted us with open arms. “Mrs. Rossi!” “Good morning, Martha.” Victoria hugged her before gesturing to me. “This is Riley. She’s joining us.” Martha’s smile was kind but carried a hint of something else, sympathy, maybe? “Welcome, dear.” “Thank you. I’m the new nanny.” “I’m the housekeeper. We’ve been hoping someone brave would accept this position.” “…Brave?” She laughed nervously. “You’ll understand soon enough.” That did not sound reassuring. The inside of the mansion was even more impressive, bright, elegant, and modern. Fresh flowers decorated almost every surface, and family photographs covered one entire wall. I slowed down, drawn to them. Every picture featured the same four people: Luca and his three children. Some showed them baking cookies with flour everywhere. Others were at beaches, amusement parks, birthday parties, and racetracks. One photo in particular caught my eye—Luca kneeling after a race win, the twins sitting on his shoulders while little Sophie hugged his neck. All four of them were laughing. Not smiling—genuinely laughing. It was… unexpected. I had never imagined the cool, disciplined racing champion looking so relaxed and happy. “So?” Victoria asked. “What do you think?” “I think… this house is too clean.” Martha and Victoria exchanged amused glances. “It won’t stay that way for long,” Martha muttered. Before I could ask what she meant— BOOM! Something exploded upstairs. I jumped. “What was that?” Nobody looked surprised. A second crash followed, then wild laughter and the sound of running footsteps. Victoria sighed. “They’re awake.” I swallowed hard. “Already?” “They’ve been up for an hour.” “What are they doing?” “We’re about to find out.” Three small figures appeared at the top of the grand staircase. The twins looked identical except for their colored T-shirts—one blue, one green. The little girl had curly blonde hair in messy pigtails. All three froze when they saw me. I offered a polite smile. “Hi.” They didn’t answer. Instead, they looked at each other, whispered something, and then all three smiled. Not sweet smiles. Dangerous smiles. The kind villains wore right before springing a trap. A chill ran down my spine. “Why are they looking at me like that?” Victoria suddenly found the ceiling very interesting. Martha quietly took one step backward. “Should I be worried?” I asked. Neither woman answered. The twins bumped fists. The little girl grinned from ear to ear. Then she shouted at the top of her lungs: “Operation New Nanny has officially begun!” The twins saluted. “Yes, Captain Sophie!” Before I could even process what was happening, all three disappeared upstairs again, laughing like tiny evil geniuses. Silence filled the entrance hall. I slowly turned to Victoria. “What exactly does ‘Operation New Nanny’ mean?” Victoria gave me an awkward smile. “I honestly have no idea.” From upstairs came another loud bang, followed by more mischievous laughter. Very suddenly, I wasn’t so sure taking this job had been a good idea.