Chapter 2 The $40,000 Nanny

Chapter 2: (The $40,000 Nanny) "Since you can't give me what I really want," Mia said, her voice small but oddly calculated, "can I at least have a new nanny?" Ace froze, the silver spoon halfway to his mouth. "A new nanny?" "Yep." Mia didn't look up. She focused on her breakfast with surprising concentration, carefully separating a lump from her full bowl of cereal. Ace slowly leaned back in his high-backed leather chair, studying his daughter. "Why the sudden interest in a nanny, Mia?" "My classmates all have them. They have nannies and...

and mums." She paused, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Since I don't have a mummy, I should at least have a nanny. I want to be able to brag about mine too." The words hung in the air like a quiet accusation. Ace's expression softened for a brief moment, guilt flickering through the cold control he usually wore like armour. "Mia," he said gently, "you shouldn't feel pressured to do what your friends are doing... but-" He sighed. "I will get you a nanny." Mia's head snapped up instantly, excitement lighting her eyes. She pushed her empty plate towards the waiting maid without so much as a thank you. "So when is she coming?" Ace blinked. "Who?" "Seriously?" Mia's lips trembled, her expression shifting from hopeful to heartbroken in seconds. "I can't believe you forgot already." "Mia, what-" "Daddy!" she cried, her voice rising into a wail. "I want my nanny! Is she coming today?" Ace winced slightly. "Sweetheart, I don't even have a listing up yet. My company website doesn't even have-" The wail grew louder. Ace sighed in defeat. "Okay. Okay," he said quickly. "Don't cry. I promise I'll get you one. Are you happy now?" He reached forward and lifted her onto the polished mahogany dining table so they were eye-to-eye. "Why do you have to ask if I'm happy?" Mia pouted, a perfectly timed tear sliding down her cheek. "Aren't you happy to do this for me?" Ace's stern composure cracked completely. "I am, Mia. Truly. Forgive Daddy." "You're forgiven," she declared, patting his cheek with tiny fingers like a queen granting mercy. Then her eyes narrowed. "One more thing, Dad." "Anything." Mia flicked a cold glance toward the maid standing beside the sideboard. "The other maid didn't give me water last night before bed. I had to walk all the way down here by myself." The maid gasped, her face draining of colour as she immediately dropped to her knees. "I'm so sorry, sir! It slipped my-" "If it ever 'slips' again," Ace interrupted sharply, his voice turning to ice, "you'll be looking for a new job by noon." "I'm sorry, Mr. Ace," the woman pleaded, clasping her hands. Ace didn't even look at her. Instead, he turned back toward the garden view outside the tall windows. "Is that all, Mia?" "Is she coming today?" Mia asked again stubbornly. "Mia," Ace said patiently, "I haven't even interviewed anyone yet. But I promise she'll be here soon." He leaned down to kiss her forehead before standing up and smoothing his suit. "Take me to school today?" Mia asked hopefully. "My schedule is too tight today, darling. Next time. I promise Dad loves you." "I love you more," she sang, waving cheerfully as he walked out. The transition from affectionate father to ruthless executive happened the moment Ace stepped into the hallway. His personal assistant, Daniel, hurried behind him, nearly jogging to keep pace. "Take note," Ace said without slowing down. "I need a nanny for Mia." "Understood, sir," Daniel replied quickly. "Though if I may ask... why the sudden change?" Ace didn't even glance at him. "She wants one." That was the only explanation he offered. "No delays, Daniel. No excuses." "Of course, sir. Regarding the compensation... what range are we considering? Perhaps five thousand a month?" Ace stopped walking. "Make it forty thousand." Daniel nearly stumbled. "Forty thousand? Sir, that's insane! For a nanny?" Ace slowly turned his head, fixing him with a look so cold it seemed to freeze the hallway. "Is there a problem, Daniel?" The assistant swallowed. "I-it's just that-" "It's my money," Ace said flatly. "And frankly, that's barely half of what I pay you to ask stupid questions." Daniel immediately lowered his head. "My apologies, boss." The lobby of AW Groups Headquarters was as polished and silent as ever. Employees bowed slightly as Ace strode through the building, his presence commanding instant respect. He acknowledged none of them. Only when the executive lift doors slid shut did he finally exhale, running a hand through his hair. "The listing is live, sir," Daniel said, holding up his tablet. "Applications are already flooding in." Ace's eyes narrowed slightly. "Change of plans." Daniel stiffened. "No online interviews. Bring the best candidates directly to the house." "To the house?" Daniel repeated. "Mia will choose her nanny herself." Daniel opened his mouth to protest the logistical nightmare. Then he thought better of it. "Understood, sir." "Good morning, Mr. Warren!" Maria, his impeccably dressed secretary, greeted them with a bright professional smile. "Would you like your tea, sir?" "Not yet," Ace said as he walked into his office. "You can go, Daniel. I'll call when I need you." The door clicked shut behind them. Maria handed him a tablet. "Your schedule for the day, sir. We have the three major contract signings this afternoon." Ace didn't even glance at it. "Cancel them." Maria blinked in shock. "But sir... those contracts are worth billions." Ace leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Cancel them." Maria hesitated. "Sir... for a nanny interview?" Ace's voice was calm. "For my daughter." Then he added coldly, "And make sure the best candidates arrive today."