"Finally, the virus is gone."
I let out a long breath of relief.
"Very well," Dad said calmly. "So—what's his schedule for tomorrow?"
"David's?"
He nodded.
I opened my briefcase, pulled out the calendar sheet.
"Nothing too unusual. Just a 2 p.m. meeting with the CCO and the fashion designers. Nothing unexpected, sir."
"Good. But take this."
He handed me a small black device—slim, discreet.
"A voice recorder?" I asked.
"Yes. Keep it on during meetings—especially with external contacts or investors. Record anything suspicious."
"Understood."
He gave a curt nod and walked away.
I collapsed onto my bed—exhausted. Sleep swept over me instantly.
Meanwhile…
Inside Crimson Night's black limousine…
Her crimson lips curled into a smug smile, eyes locked on her laptop screen.
"As expected of our sweet little betrayer. Same trick she pulled with Northern Dark…"
She leaned back against the leather seat, her voice a whisper of wicked delight.
"Oh, dear… Dharwk…"
She chuckled darkly.
"Let's play again."
The Next Morning
I was in the kitchen, juggling breakfast and lunch prep when I noticed something odd.
Dad was still home—seated on the couch, flipping through the newspaper like it was any normal day.
"You're not going to work?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
"I've been thinking," he began slowly.
"About leaving this place. And hiring a professional nanny for Nancy."
"What? Are you out of your mind?"
"You forget, Crimson Night knows where you live. She knows about Nancy. We're exposed. If we stay like this, we're walking targets."
"Ooh… so that's why you're home today."
"No. I'm going back tomorrow. But until then, I'm visiting Morgan Mallet Academy. I want Nancy protected. You two will be relocated separately."
"But—"
"No more discussion."
I clenched my jaw.
"Fine."
I popped the last bite of bread into my mouth and set the rest of the breakfast out for him and Nancy.
Briefcase in hand, I left.
At the Office
As I entered the hallway, familiar greetings echoed around me.
"Good morning, Ms. Caroline."
I returned them with silent nods, my mind already at the door of the CEO's office.
Knock.
"May I come in, sir?"
"Yes."
David closed his laptop, eyes shifting to me.
"What's on my schedule today, Ms. Garnier?"
"At 2 p.m., a meeting with the CCO and the fashion design heads," I reported smoothly.
"Only that?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then set an appointment with Erdian Company's investors for tomorrow. I want to meet them."
"Noted."
Something about him was different today—no sarcasm, no flirtatious tone. Just cold professionalism.
Honestly… I preferred it that way.
At Morgan Mallet Academy,
Mr. Thomas Oak sat across from the principal, businesslike.
"I need a highly qualified nanny for my daughter. Trained in more than just babysitting."
"Of course, sir," the principal replied, sliding over a digital screen.
"We offer elite nannies in multiple specialties—cyber defense, physical defense, psychological development…"
"Self-defense."
"Ah… that category begins at 200 million. But they are the best."
"Money isn't an issue. I want results."
"Understood. Here are the profiles."
Thomas scanned the data carefully before pointing at one.
"This one."
The principal checked.
"Amber Dubois—trained in Krav Maga, firearms, close-range protection. Excellent choice. She'll report tomorrow."
"Send her to this address," he said, handing over a filled-out form.
It wasn't his address—it was directly Nancy's.
Smart. Amber would only know what she needed to.
Document Submission
Child's Name: Nancy Oak
Native Language: French
School: [REDACTED]
Parent's Name: Thomas Oak
Guardian's Name: Ariadne Oak (Child's Sister)
Parent's Occupation: Director, Food Company
Guardian's Occupation: –
Child's Address: [REDACTED]
Nanny's Name: Amber Dubois
Specialization: Physical Defense
"All set, sir," the principal confirmed.
"Thank you."
But as Thomas stood to leave, a strange chill settled in his chest.
Something told him—
This was only the beginning of a much deeper game.