Chapter 1
I was applying for a job as a nanny with a monthly salary of ten grand.
The woman didn't ask about my education or experience. She only asked one question.
"If my mother-in-law badmouths me to you, what would you do?"
The ten top-rated nannies ahead of me gave flawless, textbook-perfect answers.
I replied to her with a single sentence.
She tore up all ten resumes right then and there, and signed a lucrative contract with me.
*****
My name was Emily Titterington, and I was twenty-eight years old.
With my suitcase in tow, I stepped into the villa complex known as Cloud Mansion.
Every house here looked like an isolated castle.
The greenery was meticulously trimmed, and it was so quiet that I could hear my own heartbeat.
My employer, Lorelei Mccarthy, lived here.
During yesterday's interview, she wore an elegant silk gown and sat gracefully on a large sofa.
Her beauty had an aloof, icy grace to it.
She didn't look like a new mom who'd given birth, but more like a CEO who always had everything under control.
She asked the classic question, "If my mother-in-law badmouths me to you, what would you do?"
The nannies before me each had their own answers.
Some said they'd patiently explain, some said they'd try to keep the peace between both sides, and some said they'd ignore it.
They were flawless, covering every possible scenario.
When it was my turn, I looked her straight in the eye and said, "Mrs. Mccarthy, my job is to take care of you and the baby.
"I'm not here to be a family mediator.
"I only follow your instructions."
Lorelei's face had always been cold and unreadable, but for the first time, a smile appeared.
She tore up those ten resumes. Just like that, I landed the job with a monthly salary of 10 grand dollars.
Reality's first lesson came at me faster and harder than I ever imagined.
On my first day, I barely had time to put down my suitcase before a regal, dignified woman approached.
She was impeccably maintained, but there was a hint of unyielding harshness at the corners of her eyes.
She was Lorelei's mother-in-law, Blanche Mccarthy.
She saked, "You're the new nanny, Emily?"
She looked me over, her eyes so piercing it felt like she could see right through me.
I nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
Suddenly, she grabbed my hand and pulled me aside into a corner.
Her grip was surprisingly strong, her nails digging in and making me wince.
She said, lowering her voice, her tone oddly friendly, "Emily, you're a smart one.
"The ones who really run this house are my son and me.
"Lorelei only acts so bossy because her family's got some money to throw around.
"From now on, you stick with me. Keep an eye on her for me, and if anything unusual happens, let me know right away.
"You'll be well taken care of."
My heart sank.
It looked like the interview question got real.
I gently pulled my hand back, staying calm and collected.
"Mrs. Blanche, my employer is Lorelei. My job is to look after her and the baby."
Blanche's face instantly turned cold.
"So you're refusing a good offer and asking for trouble, huh?"
I didn't say another word. I gave a slight nod and turned to head for the nursery.
Her gaze on my back felt like two icy spotlights.
That afternoon, I told Lorelei about what happened.
She was propped up on the bed, reading a parenting book, not even glancing my way.
She said softly, "I see."
She showed no surprise and no anger. Her expression didn't even flicker.
Lorelei's icy attitude left me feeling even more unsure than Blanche's troublemaking ever could.
It didn't take long for the payback to start.
By evening, the baby was hungry, so I got ready to make a bottle.
But Blanche beat me to it, heading straight for the pantry.
"Let me handle it. You're new here, probably still a bit clumsy," she said.
As she spoke, she made sure to turn her back to me, blocking my view on purpose.
I watched as she filled the bottle straight from the faucet. The thermometer read over 158 degrees.
Using water that hot was a huge mistake. It would ruin the nutrients in the formula.
I immediately spoke up. "Mrs. Blanche, the water's too hot."
She spun around and barked, "You think you can tell me how to do this.
"Back when I was raising my son, you probably weren't even around yet.
"I've got more life experience than you've had hot dinners!"
I clamped my mouth shut.
If I said anything else, she'd think I was being disrespectful.
Sure enough, not even ten minutes after the baby finished his bottle, he suddenly spit it all up, letting out a loud wail.
Milk streamed down his tiny chin, his little face flushed bright red as he screamed his lungs out.
Blanche leapt to her feet, pointing her finger right at my nose.
"Look at you! Did you tamper with the formula or something?
"How could my precious grandson suddenly throw up like this?"
She put on a dramatic act, almost in tears, making herself look like the real victim.
Then, the door opened.
A man in a suit walked in, looking exhausted.
He was the man of the house, Tristan Mccarthy.
When he saw the scene before him, Tristan's face darkened instantly.
Blanche threw herself at him, wailing, "Tristan, thank goodness you're home.
"Look at your son. This new nanny has messed him up so badly!"
Without even asking for an explanation, Tristan stormed right up to me.
He jabbed his finger in my face and went off, tearing into me.
"Is this what we're paying you ten grand a month for? To put my son in danger?
"You're useless and totally unprofessional!"
I felt a chill run through me as I tried to explain, "Mr. Mccarthy, it wasn't me, it was..."
Tristan barked, cutting me off, "Shut up. What makes you think a lowly servant like you gets to talk back?"
His words hit me like a punch.
Instinctively, I looked to Lorelei, silently begging her for help.
She was my employer and the only one who could clear my name.
But Lorelei watched, unmoved, then slowly turned her gaze away.
Her tone was icy, colder than winter air.
"Emily, this is your first mistake. I expect it to be your last."
Any hope I had vanished in an instant.
Blanche stood off to the side, throwing me a cold, triumphant sneer, her eyes full of mockery.
I stood there, like a criminal abandoned by the whole world.
That night, I was alone in the kitchen, quietly washing the bottle.
The sound of running water couldn't drown out the argument coming from the living room.
Tristan's voice was full of impatience.
"I told you we should've hired someone obedient, but you had to pick her. She looks dirt poor and still acts all stubborn!"
Lorelei's voice was quiet, completely emotionless.
"We'll see," she replied.
I clenched the baby bottle in my hand, trying to steady myself.
It was only my first day here.
I felt that the pressure in this house was suffocating.
I was under siege, with nowhere to turn.