Page 57 of The Bratva Bosses' Nanny

Maria, chimes in with a sigh. “It’s such a tragedy for a child that young to be without parents.”

I can’t help but feel like they’re probing, searching for a reaction, but I can’t show any weakness. “Yes, it’s sad,” I concede, carefully watching their expressions for any telltale signs.

Kate leans back, studying me with a curiosity that’s borderline invasive. “Well, regardless, it’s good she has someone like you now.”

The conversation shifts, but their earlier comments linger in my mind, nagging at me. What’s their angle? Why bring up Alina’s parents so casually?

I can’t take it anymore, so I just say it. “What do you know about Alina, Kate?”

Chapter 21: Bait and Switch

Aleksandr

Listening intently through the earpiece, I can hear the tremor in Emma’s voice as she struggles to maintain her composure. Kate’s probing only seems to unsettle her further. “What do you mean, Emma? Are you okay? You seem upset.” she says.

“Emma, calm down,” I whisper into the microphone, hoping to steady her nerves.

“I’m okay, Kate. Just overwhelmed, I guess,” Emma replies, her voice betraying her tension.

“You can tell us anything, you know. Is it the men you’re working with? If this job isn’t for you, perhaps you should quit, Emma,” Kate suggests.

“No, no, it’s not that. My bosses are nice. It’s just...” Emma hesitates, and I can almost feel her wrestling with her next words.

“It’s just what?” Kate prompts.

“We are being threatened by someone, Kate,” Emma finally admits, and I can tell it’s taking everything she has not to let the fear take over.

“What do you mean?”

As Kate’s questions become more pointed, I feel a spike of tension. Emma is cornered, and from the sound of it, she’s about to break.

Emma’s voice trembles as she reveals, “I believe there are people out there who want to take Alina.”

Maria’s voice is skeptical. “What could they possibly want from a 3-year-old girl?”

Emma hesitates, her breath hitching. “I don’t know.”

Kate pushes further, her voice a mix of concern and accusation. “Just say it, Emma.”

“Say what?” Emma’s confusion is clear even through the earpiece.

“That they are making you do this,” Kate says.

Fuck. How could she possibly know? How did she figure it out? I need to get Emma out of there. Right now.

I quickly signal Dmitri and Nikolai to intervene. We can’t risk Emma’s safety. That woman is dangerous.

Emma’s voice is laced with panic. “What are you talking about?”

Kate lets out a tired sigh, her tone shifting as if she’s revealing a great truth. “My sweet sister, did you think I was that naive? But don’t worry, I know it’s not your fault.”

“Kate, what’s going on?” Emma’s question is tinged with fear.

“We’ve been meaning to tell you this, Emma,” Kate’s voice draws out the suspense.

“Tell me what?” Emma presses, a desperate edge to her voice.

“I’ll tell you everything. But first, give me your wire.”

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