As I stepped silently through the hallway, still in my office uniform, Dad spotted me from across the room.
"Hey! Why haven't you changed yet, Ariadne?"
"Because you packed all my clothes into those boxes!" I snapped, loud enough for the nearby workers to pause and glance at us.
I shot them a glare.
"What are you staring at? Back to work!"
They flinched and quickly resumed lifting cartons.
"Alright, alright," Dad mumbled, rummaging through a nearby box. "Let me just find—"
"Forget it," I cut him off, striding past. "Let's just move."
But I lowered my voice as I leaned closer.
"Where are the devices?"
He nodded subtly toward the sofa. Behind it, two slim suitcases lay tucked in the shadows.
"Fine," I said. "And what about Nancy?"
"Already at the new house. With my phone. She's probably watching cartoons by now."
"When did you send her?"
"Evening. Now grab your case and wait in the car. I'll be down in a few."
I nodded, grabbed one suitcase, and slipped out.
In the Car…
I tucked the suitcase under the back seat and climbed into the front passenger side. Folding my arms, I leaned back and stared at the dark skyline. My mind ran faster than the speedometer.
It was well past nightfall when Dad finally appeared, lugging a box and his own suitcase. The last moving truck rumbled away into the distance.
He tossed everything into the trunk, climbed into the driver's seat, and started the engine.
"What took you so long?" I snapped. "Nancy could be starving! I still have to cook—"
"Relax. I bought food from a restaurant. Enough for all of us."
"And that box?"
"Nightclothes. I found yours. Nancy's stuff was delivered to her place earlier. We'll be staying there tonight. Tomorrow morning, the new nanny arrives. By then, your new room should be fully set."
"Mhm…" I exhaled sharply, adjusting my seatbelt. "There's something you should know."
"Go ahead."
"I secured the appointment with the Erdian Company investors."
"Good. Did you carry the voice recorder?"
"Always."
"Excellent. Now, about the nanny—her name's Amber Dubois. Top-tier in physical defense. Cyber skills rated 4.5. Completed two high-risk missions. Her childcare, education, and domestic scores are all top-rated. Travel experience, 3.5. What's your take?"
"She sounds solid," I said. "Let's just hope she doesn't become another obstacle."
"We'll keep her under observation."
At Nancy's New Home…
We pulled up to a striking French townhouse bathed in golden porch light. Ivy curled around its iron balconies and tall, shuttered windows.
"Maison de Maître," Dad said proudly as he hauled the suitcases out. "Figured you'd be impressed. Half Italian, half French. Right?"
I gave a small smirk.
"It's familiar. I used to live in bigger places when I was still the CEO's daughter."
"Was just teasing," he chuckled.
"Good joke, sir."
We laughed softly as we entered.
But the door was already unlocked.
"It's open…" Dad murmured, suspicious.
"Nancy?" I called. "Nancy!"
We stepped into the living room.
There she was, curled up on the settee, dozing peacefully. Dad's phone rested on her chest, a cartoon paused mid-scene. Food containers—now empty—sat neatly stacked beside her.
"At least she's eaten," I whispered, relieved.
Later, over a quiet dinner, we ate the restaurant food together in silence. It was the kind of silence that held understanding. We didn't need to talk. Not tonight.
The Next Day…
I left for work early. After lunch, the CEO and I headed to the investment meeting with Erdian Company. It went smoothly. Every word, every interaction—I recorded on the discreet voice recorder in my blazer.
Back at the office, Mr. Jacobs entered the CEO's room.
"Sir, ma'am, shall we head out for the welcome party?"
"Actually…" I interjected, "something urgent's come up. Please excuse me."
Without further explanation, I exited quickly.
That Night…
Nancy's New House
I returned late. The sky was ink-black, moonlight casting sharp shadows on the pavement.
The door was slightly ajar.
I stepped inside cautiously—and froze.
She was there.
A tall woman stood elegantly in the center of the room, arms folded. She exuded grace and quiet dominance. Her perfectly tailored light-blue formal suit hugged a flawless silhouette. Her matching ankle-length skirt flowed seamlessly with each subtle breath. Long wavy blonde hair framed a face so composed, it was unsettling.
Her fair skin seemed to glow under the chandelier. But it was her eyes—deep blue, calculating, yet gentle—that held me.
"You must be Ariadne Oak," she said, voice smooth as silk.
"Nancy's elder sister. Am I correct?"
I didn't answer immediately.
She smiled, the expression soft yet unsettling.
"My name is Amber Dubois. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
I stared at her, alert.
Every instinct screamed perfect agent cover.