Chapter 1

After returning from a business trip, I was surprised to find the future daughter-in-law of my nanny, Bernice, had moved in.

Bernice's son and his girlfriend gave me disdainful looks, like I was the outsider in their house.

"We don't keep idlers in the company," Bernice's son sneered.

His girlfriend chimed in, "Dealing with sisters-in-law is a nightmare. I'm not living with her. It isn't nice for my baby. Besides, she's just a stepdaughter. Just kick her out already."

Who the hell were these two people supposed to be?

I frowned at Bernice, expecting an explanation.

But she avoided my gaze, guilt written all over her face.

I was the sole heiress of the Hennessey family. As far as I know, my father never had a secret love child out there.

*****

To meet the tight deadline for our company's project, I spent 3 months overseas negotiating, persuading, and working with clients. Finally, we sealed the deal.

After telling my team what to do next, I took the earliest flight home.

However, when I got home, I noticed the front door had a new lock.

I tried to call Bernice, but she didn't pick up.

With no other choice, I had to knock on the door.

But it wasn't Bernice who opened it. It was a woman I'd never seen before.

She kept the door half open, giving me a once-over.

Seeing me travel-worn with a suitcase, she clearly thought I was a poor relative showing up to leech off the family.

She pursed her lips, her brows knitting in obvious annoyance. "Why bang on the door? Can you even afford to pay if you break it?"

I stayed silent, stepped back with my suitcase, took off my sunglasses, and looked up.

Seeing the street number, I was sure this was 532 Oaks Drive, BelleBook Estates.

But who was this woman, and why was she in my house?

I frowned, about to say something, when Bernice suddenly rushed over. She practically shoved the woman aside and wiped her damp hands on her apron. With a big smile, she said, "Nevaeh, you're back. Why didn't you let me know you were coming early? I could've whipped up all your favorite dishes."

As she spoke, she took the suitcase from me with eager attention.

*****

As I followed Bernice upstairs, I asked offhandedly, "Who was that woman just now? With the way she talked, I almost thought I'd walked into the wrong house."

Bernice's smile slowly faded, her eyes clouded with guilt and self-blame. With a wry smile, she explained, "That's Luna Swanson, Chad's girlfriend. She came by to see me."

So it turned out to be Bernice's future daughter-in-law. She had been hoping for Chad Eaton to find a girlfriend for so long. I was honestly happy for Bernice.

Bernice took my hand, chose her words carefully, and said slowly, "Nevaeh, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have let her move in without asking you first. She's new in town, not used to how things work here. Could you just let it slide? If she made you mad earlier, I'll ask her to leave right now."

Bernice stared at me, her eyes turning misty, like she was waiting for my reply.

This villa was a gift from my dad to my mom for their tenth wedding anniversary. It was huge, over 6,000 square feet. But not long after we moved in, my mom passed away in an accident.

Back then, my dad was completely devastated, barely able to take care of himself, let alone me. That was when he hired Bernice to help out.

Bernice had been by my side for fifteen years now, and honestly, she already felt like family to me.

Now that Bernice was in a tough spot, of course, I was going to help her out.

Besides, Luna was only staying here for a few days. It was not like she was asking for a car or a house. For me, it was no big deal.

I patted Bernice's hand and smiled at her. "You've looked after me and my dad for over ten years. You're family to me. If there's one thing we don't lack in this house, it's guest rooms. Since she's your future daughter-in-law, let her stay a while longer. It'll give you two a chance to bond. Oh, why don't you have Chad and Luna join us for dinner tonight?"

Bernice looked at me and nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with gratitude and tears.

After exchanging a few more words, she bustled downstairs to get dinner ready.