Page 56 of The Bratva Bosses' Nanny

Suddenly, Kate’s phone chimes. She glances at the screen and frowns, excusing herself to take the call. She steps away, leaving Maria and me alone.

Maria’s gaze is piercing. “You seem tense, dear. Is the job not what you expected?”

I shake my head, trying to keep my voice even. “It’s been overwhelming at times, but rewarding.”

Kate returns and her eyes light up with genuine interest. “So, tell me about the little kiddo. Is she the one causing trouble?”

I laugh, a short, nervous sound, but I keep it light. “No, no. She’s an angel, really. So sweet and smart for her age.”

Maria leans in, her interest piqued. “Is she? And how old did you say she was?”

“Three years old,” I reply, my throat feeling a bit tight.

“Do you have a picture of her?” Maria asks, tilting her head slightly, her voice a gentle prod.

I shake my head, feeling Aleksandr’s tension through the earpiece. “I don’t, unfortunately.” My words trail off, and I curse myself inwardly for not being prepared for such a simple question.

Maria nods, her lips pressed in a thin line that could be taken for a smile or a sign of hidden thoughts. “That’s a shame. I would have loved to see her.”

My heart sinks as I realize that Maria’s questioning is not just idle curiosity, but a deliberate attempt to gather information. But what could she want with a picture of a three-year-old girl?

Kate seems to switch topics effortlessly, “Have you seen Grace around lately?”

I shake my head, trying to keep my expression neutral. “No, I haven’t.”

Kate frowns slightly, “Really? I thought you two might have run into each other.”

I can feel my pulse quickening. “I didn’t realize she was that close to you,” I say cautiously.

“Yes, I told you, remember? A friend from college,” Kate insists.

I decide to push a little, “What was she studying?” It’s a test, and I’m holding my breath for the answer.

Kate’s smile is quick and easy. “Journalism,” she says, and it sounds rehearsed.

Journalism. That’s a lie. She’s lying to my face.

Maria leans forward, her brow furrowed with concern. “You know, I thought you’d bring the little girl with you.”

I hesitate, the lie coming to my lips with ease. “She actually wasn’t feeling well.”

Maria’s face softens. “Oh no? Is she okay?”

I nod, reassuring her. “Yes, she’s fine now, but I think I might have picked up the bug she seemed to have.”

“Maybe the poor thing misses her parents,” Kate interjects with an odd comment as she takes a delicate sip of her tea.

That catches me off guard. I’ve never mentioned Alina’s parents to her. “I never told you anything about her parents. How do you know that?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

Kate looks at me, her expression unfazed. “Oh, but you did, don’t you remember?” Her tone is light, but there’s something in her eyes that doesn’t sit right with me.

I’m certain I never mentioned anything. Is she trying to play mind games with me? “What exactly did I say?” I press, needing to know how much she knows—or claims to know.

Kate’s smile turns into a smirk. “Oh, just some small talk we had a while back. You know how it is.” Her words are light, but there’s a darkness lurking beneath them which makes me feel uneasy.

I can feel Aleksandr’s presence strengthening in my ear, urging me to keep on my guard. “I see,” I say simply, not wanting to give anything away.

Maria changes the subject again, but I can’t focus on her words anymore. My mind is racing, trying to connect the dots. What does Kate know? What is she trying to get at? And why did she bring up Grace’s name? The conversation continues around me, a buzz in my head.

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