Chapter 3 - The Socialite's Arrival
Peace in the Vance estate lasted exactly one week.
It was shattered by the sharp click of designer heels against the marble foyer.
Vanessa Sterling, the daughter of Julian’s biggest corporate investor, had arrived unannounced.
Vanessa had been auditioning for the role of Julian’s new wife for over a year.
She possessed flawless hair, a billion-dollar trust fund, and a heart made of absolute ice.
She hated children, but she tolerated the idea of the twins if it meant securing the Vance empire.
When Vanessa strolled into the nursery expecting to find a miserable professional nanny, she stopped dead in her tracks.
Instead of a sterile environment, the room was a chaotic mess of finger paints, building blocks, and laughter.
Elena was sitting on the floor in sweatpants, covered in blue paint.
Toby was showing Leo how to stack blocks, while Lucas clapped his hands.
“What on earth is this?” Vanessa shrieked, her voice cutting through the joy like a knife.
Elena quickly stood up, wiping her hands on a towel.
“Can I help you, miss?” Elena asked politely.
Vanessa sneered, looking Elena up and down as if she were a disease.
“I am Vanessa Sterling, Julian’s future fiancée.”
“And you are clearly the help.”
“Why are you letting this filthy street child play with the Vance heirs?”
Before Elena could defend Toby, a cold, dangerous voice echoed from the hallway.
“That child is the reason my sons are smiling, Vanessa.”
Julian walked into the room, his eyes dark with fury.
“Julian, darling!” Vanessa’s tone instantly shifted to a sugary coo.
“I was just telling this... maid... that she shouldn't let her dirty boy near your precious angels.”
Julian stepped between Vanessa and Elena, shielding the housekeeper from view.
“Elena is the head of this nursery,” Julian said coldly.
“And Toby is a welcomed guest in my home.”
“If you ever speak to either of them like that again, I will personally ruin your father’s company.”
Vanessa gasped, her face flushing with humiliation and rage.
May you like
She spun around and stormed out of the room, but not before shooting Elena a look of pure venom.
Elena knew instantly that she had just made a very powerful, very dangerous enemy.
