4

THEO POV

Was I out of my mind to say such a bold thing to the new nanny on her first day? What had gotten into me? I've never spoken to a woman in such a flirtatious manner.

"I was just kidding!" I said quickly.

Rachel just smiled faintly, her demeanor calm. It made me feel like a fool like I'd just tried to flirt with her.

I pushed my glasses up my nose. "If you want to sleep, go ahead."

"I'll wait until your coffee's ready, sir."

I said nothing more and turned my attention to the coffee machine.

But I couldn't ignore Rachel's seductive presence. My heart raced as I caught a glimpse of her long, beautiful legs. Something had been stirring inside me since the first moment I saw Rachel.

Her name bothered me.

Because it was the same as that of Dawson's late ex-wife.

But this Rachel was different. Not my sweet and kind sister-in-law. Yes, as I remembered, she was kind—even if she married Dawson too young.

"How long have you been a nanny?" I asked.

Rachel didn't answer right away. She turned to me and cleared her throat. "This is my first time."

"Really?"

I couldn't believe that Elise had hired a nanny with no experience. But from what I'd seen today, everything was going smoothly. Usually, new nannies cry on their first day because of Skylar or Shawn, or sometimes both.

But this time I'd heard the opposite. The children were actually obedient to Rachel.

She had a commanding aura, a mysterious charm beneath her cold expression. I had to admit, of all the nannies we'd had, she was different. Like a queen on her throne, even without the crown.

The water mixed with the coffee began to boil, and steam filled the glass pot. I grabbed a cup from under the island counter and accidentally glanced at Rachel again. She stood tall like a soldier, ready for battle.

But why was there a long scar running from her arm to her elbow?

What had happened to Rachel?

Before I could say anything, the sound of clicking heels echoed through the kitchen. I instinctively looked to the doorway.

Quinn was standing in a black, off-the-shoulder dress, carrying a small silver handbag matching her shoes.

"Oh, for God's sake... what kind of scene is this?" Quinn's snide voice instantly exhausted me. She tilted her chin in Rachel's direction. "What is she doing here? Babysitting you, Theo?"

I had expected Quinn's mocking words.

"Good evening, ma'am," Rachel said politely.

Quinn ignored her and looked directly at me. "You haven't seen Dawson?"

"I got home this afternoon," I said, pouring the coffee. "He's your husband. Why are you asking me?"

I sat on the bar stool and gave Quinn a cold look. I glanced at Rachel, who was still standing stiffly nearby. Should I tell her to go back to the pavilion?

Quinn huffed. "Why are you still here? You have an apartment."

"I just felt bad for the kids. No one was watching them."

"Then why did I hire her?" Quinn pointed at Rachel. "To watch you at night? God, what kind of nanny dresses like an adult movie star?"

I instinctively glanced at Rachel from the corner of my eye, but she just stood there, seemingly unaffected.

"I don't think she has the proper uniform. I'll ask her to get one tomorrow," I said.

"Do you have to speak for her, Theo?" Quinn dug through her purse, pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, and placed them on the island. She turned her attention to Rachel. "Do you have a problem speaking, Nanny?"

"No, ma'am. Didn't I say hello to you earlier?"

I wanted to laugh with satisfaction. Rachel was smart and bold.

One of Quinn's eyebrows lifted. "You're talking back to me? How dare you! Who do you think you are?"

"Stop it, Quinn. Rachel answered your question because it made no sense," I said.

"This is none of your business, Theo!" Quinn snapped at me.

I motioned for Rachel to leave—half dismissing her. I had to keep things from escalating. "Go, Rachel, get some rest."

"Good night, sir, ma'am," Rachel said with a respectful nod and walked toward the back pavilion. I caught Quinn glaring angrily at the new nanny she found so insolent. Quinn quickly lit a cigarette.

"Rachel..." she scoffed. The grayish smoke drifted slowly around her. "Unbelievable."

"Is her name a problem?" I looked at Quinn.

She sighed and took a deep drag. "You and Dawson are up to something, aren't you? Trying to get rid of me?"

"Get rid of you?"

"Don't play dumb, Theo. I know the reason you came here is to manipulate Dawson." Quinn shook his head. "Since you arrived a year ago, Dawson has grown colder to me."

"What are you saying? Your marriage is none of my business."

I never cared about Dawson's relationship with Quinn. I came to Philadelphia because Dawson's performance had steadily declined. I had no choice but to audit his work and investigate why the companies he managed were going bankrupt.

"You're jealous, aren't you, Theo? That's why you want Dawson to leave me?"

She spoke boldly, and honestly, she sounded ridiculous.

Quinn had no idea that I was here to help Dawson. I kept Dawson's secret—about the financial problems—from her, just like he asked me to, so she wouldn't spiral any further and continue living her reckless life.

How could Dawson sacrifice so much for someone like Quinn?

"I have no reason to be jealous of you, Quinn. I own 60 percent more than Dawson." I took a sip of coffee and gave her a cold look. "If anything, you should be jealous of me."

"I knew it. You want it all. Greedy bastard! You turned Dawson against me, and next, you'll get rid of him, too!"

I gave a smirk that looked more like a sneer. "Yeah, maybe you should tell Dawson your conspiracy theory. I bet he'll believe it."

Quinn stood up. "Get out of my house! Your presence here disgusts me!"

"I'll leave when Dawson himself asks me to." I raised my cup to her. "Good night."

She stormed out of the kitchen, no doubt cursing me in her mind. But I was done being soft with her. I had had enough!

I saw the kids getting more and more neglected, lacking affection because of Quinn's constant partying and absence. It all stemmed from the broken communication between Dawson and Quinn.

It was a domino effect.

Frankly, I didn't want to get involved in Dawson's personal affairs. But Dawson was under pressure, and I still didn't know what he was hiding.

What had brought Dawson so low?

*

I slowly opened my eyes, awakened by a commotion outside. Something I'd never heard during any of my sleepovers at Dawson's house.

Oh... what time is it? I reached for my phone on the nightstand and saw that it was six in the morning. Were the kids up? This early?

Rachel's face immediately popped into my head, and I sat straight in bed. I quickly pulled on my robe and stepped out of the bedroom. Across the hall, I saw Shawn and Skylar arguing, and Rachel tried to get between them.

"Hey, you two!" I called. "Why are you fighting so early in the morning?"

Rachel stood between them, both hands on each child's shoulders as they looked ready to pounce on each other. I quickly grabbed Skylar and pulled his back.

"What's going on, Skylar?" I asked.

"Shawn took my school pin! I'm not getting punished just because of my uniform!" Skylar yelled in frustration.

"For God's sake, I didn't take it!" Shawn shook his head quickly and ducked behind Rachel. "Tell him, Rachel! I have my own pin; why would I steal his?"

"Okay, both of you, calm down!" Rachel panted slightly. "I'll look for the pin myself, and we'll sort this out! Now go take a shower and get ready for school! If we can't find it, I'll talk to the principal and ask for a replacement myself!"

I giggled softly at the sight of Rachel. She was adorable. I could tell she was upset, but even her anger made her look even more beautiful.

Rachel looked at me, confused—so did Skylar and Shawn.

"What are you laughing at, Uncle Theo?" Shawn stared at me wide-eyed.

What was I supposed to say in front of the kids? "Ah... I'm just enjoying all the noise. Doesn't it make the house feel more alive? Don't you think?"

Skylar wriggled out of my arms. "Whatever."

He bolted upstairs to the third floor, and Shawn hurried to his room. That left Rachel and me standing awkwardly in the hallway. Well, I felt awkward, just waking up and probably looking like a mess.

"Hey, want to come with me to drop the kids off at school?" I asked, trying to make a conversation.

Rachel frowned slightly. "Aren't they taking the school shuttle?"

"We'll drop them off and pick up a new uniform for you."

"Sir, don't you have a job? I can buy the uniform on my own. Besides, I already made plans with Peter." Rachel gave a quick nod. "Good morning, sir. I'll excuse myself."

Ouch.

Why did Rachel's rejection hurt so much?