Chapter 6 Unexpected Visitor Sean Lancaster

The morning after Amy's surprise visit, Rose tried to shake off the lingering uneasiness. She focused on Ella, who was back to her cheerful self, playing in the garden. The child giggled as she ran across the grass, her tiny feet pattering against the pathway. It was a peaceful sight, one that eased the tension still weighing on Rose's mind.

But the peace didn't last long.

The sound of a car engine in the driveway, followed by the slam of a door.

Then, a deep, teasing voice echoed through the surroundings.

"Christian! Where's my favorite niece?"

Ella's head shot up, her eyes widening with excitement. Before Rose could react, the little girl let out a delighted squeal.

"Uncle Sean!"

A tall man in a suit strode toward them, his easy, confident grin lighting up his face. His dark brown hair was slightly tousled as if he hadn't bothered taming it, and his sharp hazel eyes twinkled with mischief. There was something effortlessly charming about him, the kind of presence that demanded attention without trying.

Rose barely had time to process what was happening before Sean Lancaster scooped Ella up into his arms, spinning her around dramatically.

"There's my princess!" he said, kissing her cheek. "Have you been behaving?"

Ella giggled, her arms wrapped around his neck. "I always behave!"

Sean smirked. "That's not what I heard."

Rose watched in amusement as Ella pouted. It was clear she adored her uncle and from the way he interacted with her, the feeling was mutual.

Unlike Christian's reserved nature, Sean was expressive, playful, and lively the complete opposite of his best friend's controlled demeanor.

Then, his gaze landed on Rose.

"Well, well," Sean said, setting Ella down. His hazel eyes flickered with curiosity and something mischievous. "And who is this lovely lady?"

Rose blinked, caught off guard by his intense gaze. His confidence was overwhelming like he was used to charming every person he met.

"I....uh"

"Her name is Rose," Christian's voice interrupted from behind them, cutting through the air like a blade.

Sean turned, his smirk widening. "Ah, so you do speak."

Christian shot him a glare, but Sean only laughed before facing Rose again.

"Sean Lancaster," he introduced himself, extending a hand. "Christian's best friend, business partner, and residing pain in his ass."

Rose hesitated for only a second before shaking his hand. "Rose Brunette. Ella's nanny."

Sean's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Nanny, huh? Interesting."

Rose crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly. "Why is that interesting?"

Sean's grin turned devilish. "Let's just say...... Christian doesn't usually hire people who aren't boring."

Christian sighed, rubbing his temples. "Sean, stop talking."

Sean only winked at Rose. "Don't mind him. He's just mad because I'm more fun."

Ella giggled. "You are more fun."

Christian shot her a betrayed look. "Traitor."

Rose bit back a laugh. It was the first time she had seen Christian look anything other than composed. Sean seemed to have a way of throwing him off balance and she found it oddly entertaining.

Sean slung an arm around Christian's shoulders. "Come on, I came all this way let's have lunch. You, me, and your lovely nanny."

Rose opened her mouth to protest, but Sean was already pulling Christian toward the house.

Christian sighed, looking like he was regretting every life choice that led to this moment. "You're exhausting."

"You love me."

"I tolerate you."

Rose hid her smile as she followed them inside. Sean was a handful, but there was something undeniably warm about him. Unlike Christian's cold, unreadable nature, Sean was an open book. He exuded confidence, but in a way that felt effortless rather than forced.

And he knew how to get under Christian's skin.

As they stepped into the house, Sean glanced around with an approving nod. "You know, I was starting to think this place was turning into a cemetery."

Christian shot him a look. "I like my home quiet."

Sean smirked. "More like depressing." Then, his eyes flickered toward Rose again. "Guess that's changed a bit, huh?"

Rose raised an eyebrow. "Are you always this nosy?"

Sean grinned. "Only when something piques my interest."

Christian shot him a glare. "She's Ella's nanny, Sean. Not your entertainment."

Sean held up his hands. "Hey, no need to get all territorial." His grin widened. "Unless there's something you'd like to share?"

Christian's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

Rose, noticing the shift in his expression, quickly stepped in. "Lunch sounds like a good idea," she said, changing the subject. "Ella must be hungry."

Sean gave her a knowing look, but let it slide. "Good call, Rosie."

She blinked. "It's Rose."

Sean waved a hand. "Rosie suits you better."

Christian groaned. "Sean, stop naming my employees."

Sean just chuckled.

Lunch was lively because of Sean. He carried most of the conversation, throwing in occasional teasing remarks about Christian's lack of social skills.

Ella adored him, laughing at his jokes and happily telling him all about her adventures with Rose.

Rose, for her part, found herself at ease. It was impossible to feel tense around someone as effortlessly charming as Sean. He had a way of making people feel like they'd known him forever.

"You know," Sean mused as he leaned back in his chair, "I think I like you, Rosie."

Rose rolled her eyes. "It's Rose."

"Rosie," Sean repeated with a smirk. "Tell me, how do you put up with him?" He points his thumb toward Christian.

Rose hesitated. The truth was, she wasn't sure how to answer.

She stole a glance at Christian, who was watching her carefully, as if curious about what she would say.

Finally, she smiled. "He's not as terrible as you make him sound."

Sean gasped dramatically. "Stockholm syndrome already?"

Christian sighed. "Sean shut up."

Sean only laughed.

As lunch wrapped up, Sean stretched, looking satisfied. "Well, this has been fun. I think I'll stick around for a few days."

Christian narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

Sean smirked. "Because I missed my favorite niece."

"And?"

"And I want to see how things play out." His gaze flickered toward Rose, amusement dancing in his hazel eyes.

Rose frowned. "What does that mean?"

Sean grinned. "You'll find out soon enough, Rosie."

Before she could protest, he threw an arm around her shoulders.

"I think you and I are going to get along just fine."

Rose sighed, but despite the weird feeling, she smiled.

Something told her that life at the Ashford estate was about to get even more interesting.