Finally, the car rolled up before the huge estate as the iron gates shut behind them with a loud clang. Alexa swallowed hard as the Delacroix mansion towered over her. The golden lights spilled from the chandeliers; the polished stone steps shone like they had just come out of a fairytale. Except, this wasn't a fairytale; it was now her new battlefield.
The car halted, and Marcus stepped out first; his posture was as straight as ever. Noah, on the other hand, hurried to open Alexa's door, his smirk widening like a naughty brother. "Welcome to the lion's den, Miss Alexa."
She gave him a deadpan stare. "Thanks for the pep talk."
When she followed Marcus up the stairs, she realized a whole lineup of staff were already waiting for her; they were perfectly arranged, like soldiers before their commander. Her pulse picked up almost immediately.
Marcus gestured casually. "Meet the household."
One by one, they were introduced.
Harris, the head butler — tall, stiff, his silver hair slicked back. His bow was precise, but his eyes were sharp. "I run this house, Miss Alexa. I hope you don't get in the way."
Mrs. Winona, the housekeeper — warm smile, plump cheeks, apron dusted with flour. She clasped Alexa's hand warmly. "Don't mind Harris, dear. Anyone Marcus brings, I trust."
Claudia, the chef, sharp-tongued, red hair tied back. She folded her arms. "If you get in my kitchen without permission, I'll chop your fingers off. That's all."
Theo, the gardener — sunburnt skin, rough hands, but gentle eyes. "Don't worry, miss. It's peaceful out back. If the house ever feels too loud, the garden's yours."
Nina, the youngest maid, maybe only a year or two older than Alexa. She looked terrified, fiddling with her apron. "I-It's nice to meet you." She clearly didn't like Alexa already, and Alexa clocked it instantly.
It was like a trial. Some nodded approvingly, others eyed her like she was a threat.
Alexa gave them all a polite smile; it was something like a thin, deadpan smile. "I'll try my best not to bite."
That alone earned a few chuckles. And a few glares.
But before she could take a breath, the sound of pounding footsteps echoed down the grand staircase.
"Daddy!"
A small figure flew down the stairs — six years old, messy-haired, barefoot despite the marble floors. Aaron. He rushed into Marcus's arms, practically climbing him like a tree.
"You're late...again!" Aaron pouted as his cheeks puffed. But the moment he noticed Alexa, his whole body went still.
Marcus set him down gently. "Aaron, this is Alexa. She'll be staying with us, looking after you."
Aaron's expression shifted in an instant, from an open, childish warmth snapped into icy suspicion. His little chin tilted up, and his glare was sharp enough to cut through glass.
"I don't like her."
The room froze.
Alexa crouched slightly, meeting his eyes head-on. "We just met. You don't even know me yet."
Aaron crossed his arms. "I don't need to know you, whoever or whatever you are. You're a stranger. Strangers lie. Strangers leave. Daddy doesn't need you. I don't need you."
That one stung to the point that even Alexa felt the jab.
But her lips curved into a sarcastic smirk. "Wow. You rehearse that in the mirror, kid?"
Aaron's eyes narrowed. "You're rude."
"And you're six," she fired back smoothly.
Gasps rippled from the staff. Harris stiffened like he might explode. But Marcus just stood, arms folded, as he silently watched.
Aaron stamped his foot. "Daddy! Send her away!"
"No," Marcus said simply.
Aaron spun back to Alexa. "Fine. Then I'll make you quit."
Alexa leaned in, her voice dropping into a whisper only he could hear. "You can try, prince. But I don't break that easily, and I won't be like you other nannies."
Aaron's cheeks flushed; it was part anger, part shock that she dared talk back. "We'll see about that!" he snapped, before running behind Marcus, hugging his leg like he was claiming him.
Alexa stood tall, brushing imaginary dust off her coat. "Cute kid. Real sunshine."
The staff were silent, standing wide-eyed. No one had ever talked back to Aaron.
Marcus's gaze lingered on Alexa, his face unreadable, but there was something faintly amused in his eyes. "Dinner will be at seven. Harris, show her to her room."
As Alexa followed the butler, she could still feel Aaron's glare burning into her back.
And she knew one thing for sure — her mission wasn't just survival. It was surviving him.